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«-»-.n»r-xr!0. 


DISEASES 

IN    THE 

AMERICAN 

Stable,  Field  and  Farm -Yard, 


CONTAINING 

A    FAMILIAR    DESCRIPTION    OF    DISEASES, 

9lbcir  ^laturc,  (Cnuse,  anb  ^ijinptoms, 

The  Most  Approved  Methods  of  Treatment, 

AND    THE 

PKOPERTIE8    AND   USE    OF    REMEDIES.    WITH    DIRECTIONS 
FOR    PREPARING    THEM. 

EIPRESSI-V  ADAPTED   FOR      ■ 

The  Amateur,  Farmer,  and  Breedef\. 
By  ROBERT   McCLURE,  M.D.,V.S., 

Editor  ofStonehenge,  HcCltire,  and  Harrfy  on  the  Horse," 
iic.,{kc. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PORTER    &    C  O  A  T  E  S, 

No.   822  Chestnut  Street. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1866, 
By  ROBERT  McCLURE, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  lor  the 
Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


TO 


glpHl  I.    ^Iwpi,   p.  g. 


THIS  WORK   IS  MOST   RESPECTFULLY 


GRATEFUL   ACKNOWLEDGMENT   OF   GENEROUS   SUPPORT 

IN  EFFORTS  MADE  TO  ADVANCE  THE  CAUSE  OF  A  SOUND 
SYSTEM  OF  ANIMAL  MEDICATION, 

BY   THE   AUTHOR. 


PREFACE 


This  book  is  founded  on  a  course  of  lectures  de- 
livered in  the  Veterinary  College  of  this  city,  and 
is  divided  into  three  parts: — 1.  The  diseases  and 
treatment  of  the  horse.     2.   The  medicines,  pre- 
scriptions, and  preparations   used  in  veterinary 
practice.     3.   The  diseases  and  treatment  of  the 
ox,  together  with  the  treatment  of  diseases  inci- 
dent to  milch  cows  and  calves.     To  render  the 
work  as  complete  as  possible,  according  to  its  title, 
an  essay  on  diseases  of  sheep  is  added,  thus  form- 
ing a  farmer's  veterinary  library  and  cyclopaedia. 
The  work  is  gotten  up  specially  for  the  amateur, 
farmer,  and  stock  breeder;  at  the  same  time,  how- 
ever, the  veterinary  surgeon  can  learn  much  from 
it  which  will  be  useful,  although  some  of  the  doc- 
trines may  appear  novel  to  him.     The  diseases 
and  treatment  of  each  animal  are  treated  of  under 
their  most  popular  or  trivial  names,  and  in  alpha- 
betical order.     The  subject  matter  throughout  the 


VI  PREFACE. 

book  will  be  found  truthful,  concise,  to  the  point, 
free  from  literary  niceties  or  labored  efforts;  but 
frowns  upon  the  destructive  and  injurious  system 
of  bleeding,  blistering,  physicking,  firing,  and  low 
feeding  or  starving  animals  suffering  from  disease 
or  accident.  If  this  work,  then,  should  enlighten 
the  minds  of  men  to  a  full  understanding  of  the 
injurious  teaching  of  old  authors  in  new  dresses, 
and  point  out  a  sound,  safe,  scientific,  and  success- 
ful system,  the  author  will  have  been  amply  re- 
paid for  whatever  time,  trouble,  and  expense  he 
may  have  incurred  in  presenting  it  to  the  public. 
The  author  thanks  Mr.  Jas.  B.  Rodgers  for  the 
perspicuity  of  the  letter  press  and  manner  in  which 
he  has  executed  the  work  intrusted  to  him. 

Philadelphia,  Septemher,  1866. 


INTRODUCTION, 


Causes  of  Disease. 

Scientific  men  give  three  names  when  they  speak  of 
the  causes  of  dkesise— exciting,  predisposing,  and  proxi- 
mate.  The  first  may  justly  be  termed  the  originators  of 
disease ;  by  the  second  is  meant  those  more  easily  acted 
upon  by  causes  that  a  more  healthy  animal  would  resist 
altogether ;  and  the  third  is  almost  the  disease  itself.  Of 
the  causes  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  not  many  of 
them  are  alike,  and  their  effects,  that  is,  the  disease,  just 
as  diverse. 

These  causes  are  named  in  the  following  table : — 

1.  Electric,  and  other  conditions  of  the  atmosphere. 

2.  Food  and  water. 

3.  Overwork. 

4.  Poisons — animal,  vegetable,  mineral,  and  zumins, 
or  ferments. 

5.  Malformations,  or  badly-formed  parts.  ^ 

6.  Age  and  decay. 

7.  Changes  of  temperature. 

8.  Hereditary  influence. 

9.  Mechanical. 

10.  Starvation. 

That  I  may  be  more  clearly  understood,  examples  will 
be  given  in  the  order  above  stated. 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

The  first  is  looked  upon  as  the  cause  of  the  many  dis- 
eases which  take  on  an  epizootic  form.  The  second, 
rusty  straw,  and  musty  hay  and  corn  fed  to  animals 
with  weak  stomachs.  Third,  riding  too  far  and  too  fast, 
overloading,  etc.  Fourth,  animals  drinking  out  of  leaden 
troughs,  where  pieces  of  old  iron  may  be  lying  in  the 
bottom.  Inoculation  by  the  virus  from  a  glandered 
horse,  are  illustrations  of  animal  poisons,  zumins,  or  fer- 
ments. (See  Glanders.)  Fifth.  A  horse  with  point  of 
hock  inclined  forward,  which  is  the  originator  of  curb. 
Sixth.  An  old  horse  or  cow,  with  no  teeth  to  chew  its 
feed.  Seventh.  Taking  an  animal  from  a  warm  and  com- 
fortable stable,  and  exposing  it  to  a  cold  north-eastern 
storm.  Eighth.  A  flat  forehead,  transmitted  from  pa- 
rentage, thus  preventing  a  full  development  of  the  brain 
where  the  optic  nerve  is  given  off  from  the  brain,  thus 
insuring  blindness  about  the  seventh  or  eighth  year,  and 
sometimes  earlier.  None  need  be  told  of  the  disposition 
of  the  course-bred  Canadian  horse  to  become  affected  with 
disease  of  the  bones,  mostly  in  the  form  of  ring-bone, 
(which  see.)  Ninth.  Stone  in  the  bladder,  and  calculi  in 
the  bowels.  Tenth.  Besieged  garrisons,  fortresses,  when 
crops  have  failed,  and  famine. 

How  to  Observe  Diseases. 

We  are  sometimes  asked  how  it  is  that  we  know  so  ex- 
actly what  the  disease  is  that  this  or  that  animal  is  affected 
with,  as  it  cannot  speak  and  narrate  its  ills  and  its  aches. 
To  this  question  we  might  repeat  a  common  truism,  "A 
shut  mouth  tells  no  lies;"  therefore,  nobody  is  deceived. 
Nature  has  but  one  set  of  weights  and  measures^  and  these 
only  should  be  used.     Thus,  if  a  horse  have  a  corn  or 


INTRODUCTION. 


bruised  heel,  he  will  be  as  sure  to  go  lame  as  he  would  with 
an  ordinary  sprain.  The  difference  is,  that  he  not  only 
stretches  out  the  sore  foot,  but  he  elevates  the  heel  from 
the  ground,  and  will  not  set  his  foot  flat  to  please,  or  it 
may  be  said  to  deceive  any  one.  The  uneasy  eye,  the 
anxious  expression,  and  the  sharp,  peculiar  look,  tell  its 
tale  of  suffering,  and  bear  testimony  to  a  description  so 
faithful  and  true,  that  every  man  should  understand  how 
to  interpret  them. 


The  Principles  of  Disease. 

Congestion. — By  this  term  is  meant  an  undue  flow  of 
blood  into  a  part,  and  remaining  in  it.  The  blood-vessels 
lose  the  power  of  contracting  and  emptying  themselves, 
as  when  in  health.  Congestion  is  not  accompanied  with 
inflammation,  as  some  suppose,  and  may  exist  without 
irritation.  Irritation  is  only  present  when  the  blood 
passes  more  rapidly  into  a  part  than  its  vessels  can  carry 
it  out,  and  inflammation  only  is  present  when  more  fluid 
is  thrown  into  the  vessels  than  they  can  get  rid  of. 

Irritation. — This  peculiar  condition  is  the  result  of  in- 
creased sensitiveness,  or  an  exalted  action,  accompanied 
with  quickened  beating  of  the  heart  and  pulse.  When 
we  apply  the  term  to  special  cases,  it  will  be  better  un- 
derstood, as  irritation  of  the  howels  producing  diarrhoea,  of 
the  bladder  frequent  passing  of  urine,  of  the  eye  causing 
an  increased  flow  of  tears,  and  of  the  throat  giving  rise 
to  cough. 

Inflammation  differs  from  irritation,  inasmuch  as  it  is 
more  painful.  There  are  three  varieties — acute,  sub-acute, 
and  chronic.    Inflammation  has  also  three  terminations : — 


10  INTRODIJCTION. 

(1.)  Resolution;  that  is,  it  gives  way,  or  is  relieved  be- 
fore any  alteration  has  taken  place  in  the  part  so  in- 
flamed. 

(2.)  Suppuration,  or  the  formation  of  pus. 

(3.)  Mortification,  or  death  of  the  part  affected,  and 
the  subsequent  death  of  the  animal.  Inflammation  is 
characterized  by  four  conditions,  or  phenomena,  as  they 
are  called — pain,  heat,  redness,  and  swelling.  Inflam- 
mation assumes  different  degrees  of  intensity,  modified  by 
the  cause,  and  the  part  or  organ  affected.  When  it  is 
situated  in  the  windpipe,  (bronchitis,  which  see,)  lungs, 
or  bowels,  great  uneasiness  and  disturbance  are  manifest. 
In  a  few  hours  this  condition  gives  way  to  depression. 

Depression. — Many  diseases  of  an  inflammatory  type, 
when  their  course  is  run,  leave  the  system  in  a  state  of 
depression,  or  a  low  condition  of  vitality.  How  neces- 
sary, then,  that  this  should  be  properly  understood  when 
treating  inflammatory  diseases,  as  one  pint  of  blood  taken 
from  a  large  horse  would,  under  these  circumstances,  cost 
him  his  life!  Rather  anticipate  the  weakness  by  sup- 
porting and  husbanding  the  strength,  so  as  to  overcome 
disease. 

There  are  two  great  divisions  of  diseased  action,  which 
it  will  be  well  for  farmers,  and  others  interested  in  the 
welfare  of  their  animals  to  know,  and  these  are: — First. 
The  exalted,  or  as  it  is  called  sthenic,  or  commonly  known 
by  the  term  inflammation,  and  require  for  treatment,  not 
bleeding,  but  medicine  having  the  power  of  overcoming 
the  exalted  condition,  by  controlling  the  fast  beating  of 
the  heart  and  pulse.  This  is  easily  done  by  the  power  of 
such  agents  as  aconite  or  veratrum,  (which  see,)  and  with- 
out in  any  way  impairing  the  strength  and  constitution 
of  the  animal.      The  second,  or  depressed  condition  of 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

disease,  and  known  as  the  asthenic,  requiring  a  treatment 
opposite  to  the  above  variety,  namely,  iron,  gentian,  etc., 
(which  see,)  to  add  to  the  strength  of  the  animal,  and 
quality  of  the  blood.  An  improved  diet,  and  in  greater 
quantity,  will,  in  many  cases  of  depression,  not  only  cure 
the  disease,  but  remove  the  cause  also. 

FEVER. 

There  are  four  stages  observed  in  fever : — 

(1.)  Weakness,  loss  of  appetite,  and  low  spirits. 

(2.)  A  shiver,  or  chill,  uneasiness,  flanks  move  quick 
and  short,  nostrils  more  or  less  distended,  one  leg  or  ear 
hot,  and  the  other  cold. 

(3.)  After  a  time  the  coldness  is  succeeded  by  great 
heat  and  thirst,  costiveness,  urine  scanty  and  high-co- 
lored, mouth  hot  and  dry. 

(4.)  When  the  fever  has  lasted  for  a  longer  or  shorter 
time,  the  skin  becomes  more  moist,  the  bowels  and  kid- 
neys act  more  freely;  the  pulse  becomes  more  full,  al- 
though not  less  frequent,  and  the  mouth  more  moist. 

When  fever  is  accompanied  with  disease  of  the  lungs, 
liver,  or  other  organ  of  the  body,  or  after  an  accident  of 
any  severity,  it  is  then  called  spnptomatic  fever. 

Fever  is  called  idiopathic,  when  not  accompanied  by 
disease  or  accident.  From  the  days  of  Galen  to  the  pre- 
sent time,  many  theories  have  been  advanced  to  explain 
its  proximate  cause,  but  none  seems  to  satisfy  the  philo- 
sophical student,  and  it  still  belongs  to  the  unsolved  prob- 
lems in  physiology. 

Diseased  Secretion. — A  good  example  of  what  is  here 
meant  may  be  found  in  the  discharges  from  the  nose  of 
animals  affected  with  cold,  influenza,  and  glanders.     The 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

salivary  gland  may  secrete  too  much  fluid,  as  in  the  case 
of  horses  eating  second  crop  clover.  We  call  this  sali- 
vation. 

Increased  Secretion. — In  health,  serum  is  only  supplied 
in  sufficient  quantity  to  keep  the  surfaces  moist,  the  ab- 
sorbent vessels  preventing  accumulations.  In  the  cavi- 
ties of  joints  this  secretion  is  often  too  large,  causing  en- 
largements, of  which  a  good  example  is  seen  in  swellings 
of  the  hock-joint,  called  bog  spavin,  and  in  thorough-pin. 


The   Pulse. 

The  pulse  of  the  horse  and  the  ox  is  felt  on  the  inner 
angle  of  the  lower  jaw,  as  being  the  most  convenient  place. 
The  state  of  the  pulse  tells  the  condition  of  the  heart, 
whether  the  disease  is  of  an  exalted  or  depressed  charac- 
ter, or  whether  sickness  is  at  all  present.  The  pulse  is 
more  frequent  in  young  than  in  old  animals.  In  the  full- 
grown  and  healthy  horse  it  beats  from  thirty-two  to  thirty- 
eight  in  the  minute;  in  the  ox  or  cow,  thirty -five  to  forty- 
two;  in  the  sheep,  seventy  to  seventy-five;  and  in  the 
dog,  from  ninety  to  ninety-eight.  In  inflammations  and 
fevers  the  frequency  of  the  pulse  is  increased.  In  debi- 
lity and  depression  it  is  slower,  but  sometimes  quicker 
than  natural.  There  are  the  quick  pulse,  the  strong,  the 
sharp,  the  regular,  the  intermittent,  and  many  other  va- 
rieties, both  fanciful  and  real,  which  few  persons  can  ap- 
preciate. The  pulse  of  inflammation  and  fever  numbers 
from  seventy-five  to  eighty  beats  in  the  minute ;  and  in 
great  debility,  as  in  the  last  stage  of  glanders,  accompa- 
nied with  tubercles  of  the  lungs,  the  pulse  will  number 
one  hundred  beats  per  minute. 


INTRODUCTION.  13 


Breathing. 

A  good-sized,  healthy  horse,  will  take  one  inspiration  to 
three  of  the  pulse  beats.  When  the  breathing  is  more 
frequent  or  slower,  and  when  irregular,  or  difficult  and  la- 
borious, there  is  then  disease ;  although  w^e  sometimes  see 
the  breathing  quickened  and  short,  when  no  disease  is 
present.  Both  the  pulse  and  the  breathing  will  be  quick- 
ened by  exposure  to  heat,  as  in  a  stable  up  stairs,  and 
exposed  to  an  August  sun.  By  removing  the  animal  to 
a  stable  not  so  situated,  the  breathing  and  the  pulse  will 
be  greatly  lessened.  Hence  the  advantage  of  placing 
animals  in  a  cool  and  airy  place  when  they  are  unwell. 
It  saves  a  great  waste  of  their  strength  and  vitality, 
thereby  enabling  them  to  throw  off  the  effects  of  disease. 

Treatment   of  Disease. 

The  antiphlogistic  plan  of  treating  disease  was  derived 
from  a  theory  now  entirely  exploded,  and  almost  forgot- 
ten. Repeated  bleedings,  blistering,  physicking,  and 
starving  on  low  diet,  are  some  of  the  measures  entering 
into  the  general  plan  which  has  destroyed  more  life  and 
property  than  all  the  wars,  ancient  or  modern. 

Bleeding,  in  domestic  practice,  is  almost  discarded,  and 
in  veterinary  practice  it  should  never  have  been  employed. 
And  if  this  fact  shall  be  the  means  of  opening  the  eyes 
of  those  interested  (and  who  is  not  ?)  in  the  health  of  the 
animals  supplying  us  with  meat,  and  the  horse,  (a  willing 
and  a  faithful  help,)  to  the  injury  done  by  bleeding  in 
health  or  disease,  I  shall  be  well  rewarded.  Avoid  these 
measures,  and  substitute  a  rational  and  successful  system 
of  treating  the  diseases  of  your  animals.     Ascertain  whe- 


11 

4k 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

ther  your  horse  is  suffering  from  a  disease  of  an  exalted 
or  inflammatory  kind;  substitute  aconite,  pure  air,  and 
cold  water  for  bleeding,  and  in  a  few  hours  you  will  have 
no  cause  to  regret  the  change.  If  the  disease  be  of  a 
depressed  kind,  accompanied  with  weakness  and  debility, 
give  nux  vomica,  iron,  and  a  generous  diet.  If  the  dis- 
ease be  an  eruptive  fever,  give  sulphite  of  soda  to  purify 
the  blood.  In  rheumatism,  administer  colchicum  and  car- 
bonate of  soda.  In  mange,  apply  the  sulphuret  of  potassa 
to  the  skin,  to  destroy  the  small  insects  which  cause  the 
trouble. 

In  hard  swellings  use  the  preparations  of  iodine,  to 
cause  their  absorption.  In  lameness,  allow  absolute  and 
entire  rest,  and  apply  hot  or  cold  applications  and  slight 
irritants  to  the  parts,  to  remove  the  products  of  the  sprain. 
Ascertain  the  cause  of  disease,  and  having  found  it,  have 
it  removed,  and  the  effects  will  cease.  If  the  animal  be 
costive  from  eating  dry,  concentrated  feed,  remove  it,  and 
give  green  feed  or  bran,  but  do  not  give  physic.  If  diar- 
rhoea be  present,  leave  it,  at  least  for  a  time,  to  itself,  as 
it  is  nature's  plan  of  getting  rid  of  the  offending  matter, 
ut,  if  it  should  continue,  chalk  and  opium,  as  an  astrin- 
gent, are  what  is  wanted.  The  reader  cannot  fail  to  see 
how  simple,  and  his  experience  will  demonstrate  how  suc- 
cessful these  measures  are  in  arresting  and  curing  the 
diseases  of  all  our  domestic  animals. 


Vis  Medicatrix  Naturae,  or  how  Diseases  are 
Cured  without  Medicine. 

Intelligent  persons  have  no  difficulty  in  recognizing  in 
the  constitutions  of  animals  and  men  a  power  of  self- 
restoration,  which  is  capable  of  resisting  the  influence  of 


INTRODUCTION.  15 

disease.  It  is  this  power  that  heals  wounds,  unites  broken 
bones,  and  supplies  lost  substances.  Diseases  are  not 
unfrequently  efforts  in  this  direction,  and  to  stay  the  ac- 
tion of  hurtful  material  when  admitted  into  the  system, 
or  the  eye,  for  instance,  receives  a  particle  of  sand  or 
hay-seed,  the  weeping  of  the  secr^ions  of  pus  are  reme- 
dial measures  to  rid  the  eye  of  the  offending  body.  Poi- 
sons are  good  examples  of  the  manner  in  which  animals  will 
cure  themselves.  When  poison  is  taken  into  the  stomach, 
irritation  of  the  bowels  is  set  up,  followed  by  purging,  as 
an  effort  to  get  rid  of  the  poison.  Nature,  however,  is 
not  always  successful,  and  the  animal  may  die  from  the 
violent  action  set  up.  Again,  a  sprain  will  be  cured  by 
this  very  power,  provided  absolute  and  entire  rest  be  al- 
lowed to  the  sprained  part,  without  any  interference  from 
medicine  or  art.  The  remedial  powers  of  nature  often 
require  assistance,  as,  for  instance,  in  cases  of  debility, 
when  the  blood  is  becoming  too  watery.  A  few  doses  of 
iron,  and  in  many  cases  a  little  extra  food,  will  enable 
the  sanative  powers  of  the  constitution  to  effect  a  complete 
cure.  -Often  the  removal  of  an  animal  from  the  sphere 
of  exciting  causes  of  disease,  will  cause  the  effect  to 
cease,  and  the  power  of  nature  will  cure  the  affection. 
Hence,  many  persons  reflect  upon  the  many  instances 
when  apparently  severe  cases  of  sickness  were  cured  by 
some  simple  substance,  and  much  credit  given  to  a  power 
it  never  possessed.  Where  the  powers  of  nature  are  left 
to  perform  a  cure,  let  the  strength  of  the  animal  be  main- 
tained, because  if  that  fail,  where  is  the  chance  of  reco- 
very? Blood-letting  and  physicking  are  powerful  and 
depressing  agents,  so  much  so,  that  when  carried  to  any 
extent,  few,  if  any  animals,  by  the  little  power  that  may 
be  left,  will  cure  themselves.     It  is  this  knowledge  that 


16  INTRODUCTION. 

enables  Homoeopathists  to  continue  their  practice ;  for  if 
it  were  not  for  this  power  in  the  constitution  in  each  and 
every  animal,  Homoeopahists  would  have  long  since  ceased 
to  practise  their  peculiar  art.  If  farmers  and  owners  of 
horses  and  cattle  will  only  cease  to  bleed,  and  pour  nos- 
trums down  the  throa1|i  of  their  stock,  and  learn  to  rely 
more  upon  the  great  curative  that  God  has  implanted  in 
the  constitution  of  all  His  creatures,  as  a  power  in  pro- 
tecting their  lives  when  attacked  by  disease,  it  will  surely 
be  infinitely  more  profitable  and  pleasant  to  them.  In 
curing  disease,  medicine  and  art  should  be  directed  to  as- 
sist the  powers  of  nature  to  overcome  disease, — nothing 
more. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 


PART    FIRST. 


Their  Nature,  Symptoms,  Cause,  and  Treatment. 

An  alphabetical  classification  of  disease  is  the  only  ar- 
rangement adapted  to  popular  instruction  and  domestic 
use.  As  some  diseases  have  more  than  one  common 
name,  a  few  references  are  all  that  may  be  necessary  to 
find  the  particular  disease  wanted.  In  every  disease  the 
treatment  I  hsive  first  recommended  should  be  tried;  and, 
if  it  be  not  successful,  the  next  in  order  will  be  taken. 
Also  begin  with  the  smallest  dose,  increasing,  diminish- 
ing, or  withdrawing  it  altogether,  as  the  case  seems  to 
require.  I  do  not  think  it  necessary  to  quote  authorities 
to  substantiate  what  is  said  in  regard  to  this  or  that 
medicine  as  a  remedy,  as  the  plans  and  remedies  are  those 
employed  by  the  profession.     ^ 

Abrasion  signifies  to  tear  off,  and  is  applied  to  the 
skin  when  it  has  been  rubbed  or  torn  off,  and  to  the  lining 
membranes  of  the  nose.  The  treatment  will  be  found 
under  that  of  bleeding  wounds. 

Abscess. — This  is  also    called,   by  some  persons,  a 


18 


DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 


beeling — a  formation  of  matter  or  pus  under  the  skin,  as 
the  result  of  inflammation,  either  acute  or  chronic. 
Sometimes  abscess  in  bone  is  seen,  also  of  the 
liver  and  the  brain ;  and,  indeed,  no  part  or  tissue 
of  an  animal  is  exempt  from  it. 

Symptoms. — Pain,  heat  and  swelling;  a  pro- 
jection or  prominence  on  the  swelling  from  which 
the  hair  falls  off,  disclosing  a  yellow,  white  and 
soft  part  upon  its  apex.  In  a  common  abscess 
of  this  kind,  it  will  only  be  necessary  to  hasten 
the  formation  of  the  pus  by  applying  poultices  of 
flaxseed  or  some  other  soft  substance  to  the  part, 
and  when  the  point  is  soft  and  evidently  contains 
fluid,  make  an  opening  on  its  lowest  dependent 
point  with  a  sharp  knife,  so  that  the  discharge  will 

flow  out  of  itself,  and  then  apply 

Rain  water 1  ounce. 

Chloride  of  Zinc 6  grains. 

Mix  and  apply  to  the  wound  twice  a  day. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  open  an  abscess  too  soon,  or  before 
the  pus  has  properly  formed.  (See  Articles  Strangles 
and  Fistula.) 

Acari.— (See  Mange.) 

Accidents. — (See  Sprains,  Bruises,  Bleeding,  and 
Wounds.) 

Aconite. — (See  Medicines.) 

Amaurosis. — Glass  eye.     (See  Eye  Diseases.) 

Anaemia. — Deficient  or  bad  blood. 

Anchylosis. — (See  Spavin  and  Open  Joints.) 

Aneurism. — A  pulsating  tumor,  produced  by  the  rup- 
ture of  the  inner  coats  of  the  vessel,  and  the  blood  getting 


APOPLEXY.  19 

between  it  and  the  outer  coat.  They  manifest  them- 
selves in  many  parts  of  the  body.  An  expert  sur- 
geon is  only  capable  of  remedying  it,  as  great  danger 
of  bleeding  to  death  would  result  from  opening  a  tumor 
of  this  kind. 

Apoplexy. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  falling  suddenly,  loss  of  feel- 
ing and  the  power  of  motion,  and  breathing  deep  and  slow. 
In  most  cases  the^horse  gets  up  again,  shakes  himself,  and 
proceeds  on  his  journey  almost  as  if  nothing  had  hap- 
pened, but  it  will  shortly  be  seen  that  the  animal  is  not 
so  lively  as  formerly,  and  that  it  will  afterwards  be  unsafe 
to  use  him,  especially  for  a  family  carriage,  as  in  a  fit  of 
this  kind  the  horse  may  become  entirely  unmanageable, 
and  can  only  be  controlled  by  a  power  stronger  than  his 
own.  Horses  subject  to  disease  of  this  kind,  will,  at 
times,  be  observed  to  look  sleepy,  with  a  slight  knuckling 
of  the  hind  pastern  joints,  accompanied  with  stiffness  of 
the  hind  quarters  and  loping  of  the  ears.  All  these  symp- 
toms are  seen  in  brain  disease,  as  Staggers,  Megrims, 
and  Epilepsy.    (Which  see.) 

Causes. — Breaking  of  a  blood-vessel,  effusion  or  water 
on  the  brain,  producing  pressure,  too  small  a  collar  on  a 
thick-necked  horse,  interfering  with  a  free  circulation  of 
the  blood  to  and  from  the  head,  effects  of  the  sun — sun- 
stroke.    (Coup  de  soleil.) 

In  severe  cases  of  Apoplexy,  many  never  have  the  use  of 
their  legs  again,  by  their  remaining  palsied.    (See  Palsy.) 

Treatment. — Apply  chopped  ice  to  the  head  in  bags, 
and  secured  by  proper  fixings.  Keep  up  a  free  circula- 
tion in  the  legs  by  rubbing  and  woollen  bandages,  or  warm 
water  cloths,  and  renewed  every  half  hour.  Then  apply 
a  small  blister  of 


20  DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 

Spanish  Fly ^  drachm. 

Hog's  Lard 2  drachms. 

Mix  them  well  together,  and  rub  the  salve  well  in  by  the  hand 
on  the  part  just  behind  the  ears. 

Do  not  bleed,  as  that  measure  will  only  insure  effusion, 
and,  as  in  the  brain,  ultimately  cause  death  or  dumbness. 
(Which  see.) 

If  there  be  much  exaltation  or  excitement,  give  fifteen 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root  every  four  hours, 
till  five  or  six  doses  are  taken.  If  the^contrary  condition 
be  present,  that  is,  depression,  give  from  ten  to  fifteen 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  nux  vomica  four  times  a  day, 
for  a  few  days,  or  a  week,  if  necessary.  These  medicines 
are  best  given  in  cold  water,  when  the  animal  will  drink 
it;  if  not,  mix  with  a  cup  of  water,  and  drench  out  of  a 
stout-necked  bottle.    Feed  the  horse  generously  and  well. 

Aphtha. — (See  Mouth  Diseases.) 

Atrophy. — Wasting  and  shrinking  of  a  part  of  the 
muscle,  as  is  seen  in  siveenie  of  the  shoulder;  con- 
sumption and  disease  of  the  mesentery,  and  also  palsy 
or  paralysis  of  the  hind  legs,  from  which  the  muscles  of 
the  hip  will  be  seen  to  have  fallen  away. 

Causes. — The  parts  deprived  of  their  proper  use,  action 
or  function.  A  long-continued  corn  on  the  foot  of  a 
horse,  depriving  him  of  the  proper  use  of  that  limb,  will 
cause  shrinking  of  the  suh  scapularis  muscle  of  the 
shoulder. 

Treatment. — Removal  of  the  cause,  and  restoring  the 
functions  of  the  parts  to  their  proper  condition.  In  case 
of  many  joint  diseases,  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  the 
horse  walked  before  he  is  cured,  to  prevent  too  much 
wasting  of  the  parts  from  long  standing  and  want  of  use. 


BITE    OF   MAD    DOG. 


21 


Back  sinuses. — (See  Sprain.) 

Baldness. — (See  Skin  diseases.) 

Belly  Ache.— (See  Colic.) 

Big  Head. — (See  Head  diseases.) 

Bishoping — Is  the  name  of  an  operation  performed 
upon  the  front  or  nipper  teeth  of  horses  that  are  more 
than  eight  years  old,  for  the  purpose  of  imitating  the 
mark  of  the  teeth  of  young  horses,  in  order  to  de- 
ceive those  persons  who  are  supposed  to  be  poor 
judges  in  the  age  of  horses.  It  can  rarely  deceive  any 
person  of  ordinary  intelligence.  The  general  appearance 
of  the  horse  will  soon  tell,  if  he  be  an  old  or  young 
animal. 

Bite  of  Mad  Dog. — When  any  reasonable  suspicion 
exists  that  the  dog  is  mad,  have  the  parts  completely 
washed  out  Avith  cold  water,  if  possible  forced  with  a 
syringe  or  hydrant,  so  as  the  water  will  find  its  way  to 
the  bottom  of  the  wound,  and  wash  out  any  virus  that 
may  have  lodged  there. 

If  the  bite  be  upon  the  leg  of  man,  horse  or  other  ani- 
mal, or  man's  arm  or  finger,  a  Tourniquet  or  soft  rope  or 
cord  should  be  tied  tightly  around  the  leg  above  the  bite, 
till  other  measures  are  used  to  have  the  bite  purified. 
After  the  cord  is  properly  applied,  have  the  parts  washed 
out;  next  either  cut  a  portion  of  the  flesh  from  the  top, 
sides  and  bottom  of  the  wound,  or  apply  caustic  to  the 
parts.  The  nitrate  of  silver  is  possibly  the  best  for  this 
purpose.  A  few  drops  of  nitric,  hydrochloric  or  sul- 
phuric acid  may  be  dropped  into  the  wound,  and  by  the 
burning  properties  of  these  articles  the  destructive  cha- 
racter of  the  poison  will  be  destroyed. 

After   these   measures   have   been    satisfactorily  per- 


22  DISEASES    OF   THE   HORSE. 

formed,  the  wounds  should  be  treated  as  for  common 
wounds  with  simple  ointment  (see  prescriptions  and  medi- 
cines.) The  bite  of  other  rabid  or  poisonous  animals 
should  be  treated  in  the  same  manner.  Persons  have 
been  bold  enough  to  have  allowed  themselves  to  be  bitten 
bj  mad  dogs  no  less  than  seven  times,  then  applying  the 
nitrate  of  silver  as  a  caustic  to  the  bites,  and  yet  never 
became  affected  with  the  canine  disease.  However,  too 
much  dependence  should  not  be  placed  in  any  one  mea- 
sure as  a  protection  in  such  cases.  The  great  protection 
is,  do  not  allow  yourself  to  be  bitten  at  all,  if  it  can  be 
avoided. 

Bites  from  a  healthy  dog  will  never  produce  madness, 
even  although  the  animal  go  mad  in  a  year  or  two  after- 
ward, so  keep  your  mind  easy  on  that  point. 

Bladder  Diseases. 

1.'  Inflammation. — This  condition  of  disease  is  some- 
times met  with,  but  is  rare  in  horses. 

Causes. — Irritating  substances  or  foreign  bodies  in  the 
bladder. 

Symptoms. — Constant  desire  to  make  water,  pain, 
straddling  or  walking  wide  with  the  hind  legs,  great  ten- 
derness under  the  belly. 

Treatment. — Inject  a  little  warm  oil  into  the  bladder. 
This  can  only  be  done  by  an  expert  and  with  a  proper 
instrument.  Give  25  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite 
root  every  4  hours,  till  6  doses  are  given,  to  keep  down 
pain.  Allow  flaxseed  tea  to  drink,  or  drench  the  horse 
with  it,  which  has  an  excellent  soothing  effect.  Give 
plenty  of  cold  water  to  drink. 

2.  Calculi. — This  variety  of  stone  is  sometimes  found 
in  the  bladder  and  kidneys  of  hor§^s.  This  may  be  said 
to  be  the  gravel  of  the  horse,   although  not  so   common 


BLEEDINa. 


23 


as  in  man,  but  is  equally  troublesome,  and  requires  for 
its  cure  a  formidable  operation  called  Lithotomy,  an 
operation  of  no  great  magnitude  to  an  expert  surgeon, 
but  can  scarcely  be  undertaken  by  an  unprofessional  per- 
son, even  though  a  description  of  it  were  given. 

Bleeding. 

1.  Bleeding. — An  operation  for  the  drawing  of  blood 
from  the  body,  either  locally  or  generally.  As  before 
stated,  it  is  almost  entirely  discarded  from  domestic  prac- 
tice, and  should  never  be  used  in  the  treatment  of  dis- 
eases of  animals,  however  much  the  adherent  of  an 
exploded  and  an  erroneous  system  may  doubt  it.  Medi- 
cines will  be  described  in  this  book  that  will  not  only 
insure  greater  success  in  saving  a  very  much  greater  per- 
centage of  sick  animals,  and  with  less  trouble  in  a  much 
shorter  time,  and  without  in  any  way  impairing  the  sana- 
tive powers  of  the  animal's  constitution. 


FORCEPS    FOR   LIFTING   BLEEDING    AND    WOUNDED    BLOOD    YESSELS 
SO    THAT    THEY    MAT    BE    TIED. 

2.  Bleeding  from  Wounds. — If  the  wound  be  a  sim- 
ple one,  and  not  on  the  inside  of  a  leg  where  the  large 
blood  vessels  are  situated^  all  that  will  be  necessary  to 
stop  it  will  be  a  small  piece  of  cotton  or  soft  cloth  placed 
in  and  over  the  wound,  and  secure  it  for  a  few  hours  by 
a  broad  bandage,  not  too  tightly  applied  over  it,  or,  if 
preferred,  touch  the  mouth  of  the  bleeding  vessel  with  a 
piece  of  iron  previously  immersed  in  boiling  water  or  in 


24  DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 

the  fire  itself.  The  surgeon's  plan  would  be  to  get  hold 
of  the  mouth  of  the  vein  or  artery  with  a  pair  of  artery 
forceps  or  small  tongs,  to  hold  it  so  that  he  can  tie  a  piece 
of  saddler's  silk  around  it.  If  the  wound  be  on  the  in- 
side of  the  hind  or  fore  leg,  and  the  blood  of  a  scarlet 
color  (see  Blood,)  place  pads  of  cloth  and  bandage  pretty 
tightly  over  it,  and  run  for  a  good  surgeon,  and  tell  him 
Avhat  the  trouble  is,  so  that  he  will  go  properly  prepared 
for  his  work. 

3.  Bleeding  from  the  Air  Passages  and  Lungs. — 
Observe  the  color  of  the  blood  discharged  from  the  nose 
or  mouth,  as  the  veins  of  the  lungs  convey  blood  similar 
to  the  arterial  blood  of  other  parts  of  the  body. 

Causes. — The  laying  bare,  and  the  rupture  of  small 
vessels,  and  the  structure  of  the  lungs,  breaking  down  as 
in  consumption,  and  some  cases  of  glanders  and  coryza. 

Treatment. — Support  the  strength  by  the  mineral  acids, 
(see  acids)  and  small  doses  of  aconite  to  lessen  arterial 
circulation.  Bear  in  mind  in  cases  where  the  structure 
of  the  lungs  is  falling  to  pieces,  no  power  or  art  can  ar- 
rest it.     Hence,  the  incurability  of  consumption. 

4.  Bleeding  from  the  Skin. — This  disease  is  some- 
times CdXl^di  purpura. 

Symptoins. — After  general  uneasiness,  some  pain,  fever, 
and  swelling  of  the  legs  and  other  parts  of  the  body; 
tumors  varying  from  size  of  a  cranberry  to  that  of  a 
pigeon's  egg,  often  running  together,  forming  large 
patches  from  which  blood  is  oozed  out  in  great  quanti- 
ties, giving  rise  to  much  debility.  The  contagious  ty- 
phus or  rinderpest  of  cattle,  bears  many  resemblances  to 
this  disease  of  the  horse. 

Treatmeyit. — Feed  the  animal  on  the  best  food  that 
can  be  procured,  and  pour  forty  drops  of  commercial 


BLOOD.  25 

sulphuric  acid  in  half  a  bucket  of  cold  water  three  to 
four  times  in  the  day.  Then  get  two  ounces  each  of  the 
sulphate  of  copper  and  gentian  root  in  powder,  and  di- 
vide into  eight  powders,  and  give  one  night  and  morn- 
ing in  the  feed. 

Apply  to  the  bleeding  surfaces  and  sores,  a  liniment 
composed  as  follows : — Olive  oil  three  ounces,  creosote  one 
ounce ;  mix  and  use  once  in  the  twenty-four  hours. 

Bloody  Urine. — (See  Kidney  Diseases.) 

Blood. — Blood  is  observed  to  be  of  two  colors,  namely, 
red,  or  almost  of  a  bright  scarlet.  When  blood  of  this 
color  is  issuing  from  wounds  in  jets  or  jerks,  it  is  con- 
sidered more  dangerous  than  if  it  were  of  a  dark  red,  or 
venous  blood.  The  first  is  direct  from  the  heart  itself, 
and  the  other  is  from  a  more  remote  and  less  dangerous 
part. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  know,  that  red  globules  are 
more  plentiful  in  blooded  or  well-bred  horses  than  in 
horses  of  a  coarser  kind,  which  accounts  for  a  curious 
fact  observed  in  the  difference  of  vitality.  Thus,  a 
blooded  horse  bears  up  under  diseased  action,  and  is 
cured,  whilst  a  western  or  common  horse  will  die  under 
the  same  disease. 

The  fluid  portion  of  blood  is  called  liquor  sanguinis^ 
in  which  the  red  globules  or  spheres  float.  When  blood 
is  drawn  from  the  body,  it.  divides  into  two  parts:  the 
solid  is  called  clot^  and  the  other  is  the  serum.  This 
serum  was  once  relied  upon,  and  is  still  by  the  ignorant, 
as  showing  the  existence  of  inflammation.  It  is  by  the 
blood  that  the  strength,  wear,  and  tear  of  the  system  is 
kept  up.  The  heart  is  the  organ  by  which  the  blood  is 
forced  through  the  body.     If  the  blood  be  thin  and  wa- 


26  DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 

terj,  it  is  called  hydronemia^  (see  Dropsy.)     If  pus  be  in 
the  blood,  it  is  then  called  pyemia.     (See  Glanders.) 

Boils. — (See  Saddle  or  Harness  Galls.) 

Sots. — (See  Worms.) 

Bowels,  Disease  of. — (See  Costiveness,  Diarrhoea, 
and  Dysentery.) 

1.  Inflammation  of  the  Bowels. 

Symptoms. — Acute  pain  in  the  belly,  and  continuous, 
getting  no  intervals  of  rest  from  the  pain.  Rolling, 
pawing,  and  shifting  about,  sweating,  and  breathing  fast, 
with  great  fever,  exaltation,  and  excitement.  A  fearful 
disease.     Happily  not  so  frequent  as  formerly. 

Can  only  be  mistaken  for  colic  (which  see.)  In  colic 
there  are  times  of  ease  from  pain,  but  never  in  this  dis- 
ease. 

Causes. — Exposure  to  cold,  drinking  cold  water  in 
great  quantities  when  hot,  calculi,  or  hair  balls  in  the 
bowels,  costiveness,  diarrhoea,  and  as  a  sequel  to  colic, 
lead  and  other  poisons,  (which  see.) 

Treatment. — The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  lessen  or 
destroy  pain.  Give  a  large  dose  of  the  tincture  of  aco- 
nite root,  say  thirty  drops,  to  be  repeated  in  two  hours. 
Apply  blankets  rung  out  of  boiling  water  to  the  belly, 
and  renew  them  in  about  twenty  minutes. 

Give  injections  of  warm  not  hot  water,  soap,  and  a 
handful  of  table  salt  every  half  hour.  Continue  the 
treatment  while  there  is  enough  strength  remaining. 

Bleeding  will  only  insure  and  hasten  death,  and  pur- 
gatives are  too  slow  to  act — the  horse  is  either  dead,  or 
will  be  before  any  response  can  be  had  from  them. 

Brain  Diseases.     The  brain,  and  its  coverings,   or 


BRONCHITIS.  27 

membranes,  are  subject  to  inflammations  of  every  degree. 
(See  Apoplexy  and  Staggers.) 

Breaking  Down. — This  accident  means  or  consists 
in  rupture  of  the  tendons  and  ligaments,  and  occurs  at 
once  when  the  horse  is  at  full  speed. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  stops  suddenly,  or  perhaps 
stumbles  and  falls ;  gets  up,  but  stands  on  his  fetlocks, 
the  toe  of  the  foot  turned  up,  and  the  sole  of  the  foot, 
as  it  were,  looking  at  you. 

Treatment. — If  the  fetlock  comes  entirely  to  the 
ground,  not  much  can  be  done ;  and  when  it  does  not, 
contraction  of  the  leg  takes  place,  and  requi-res  division 
of  the  tendon.     (See  Tendeotomy.) 

Breathing  Short. — This  is  a  symptom  of  irritation, 
inflammation,  debility,  weakness,  oppressions  of  every 
kind,  and  fever,  (which  see.)  ♦ 

Breeze  Flies. — This  is  the  fly  supposed  but  errone- 
ously to  be  the  one  that  deposits  the  ova  or  eggs,  which 
generate  bots  in  horses.     (See  Worms.) 

Brittle  Feet. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Bronchi. — This  term  means  the  windpipe,  and  com- 
municates and  carries  the  atmosphere  to  and  from  the 
lungs.  And  is  the  seat  of  disease,  and  is  aff'ected  more 
or  less  in  all  cases  of  colds  and  inflammations,  whether 
of  the  lungs  or  their  membranes — the  pleura. 

Bronchitis. 

Infammation  of  the  Air  Passages  or  the  Parts 
ENUMERATED  Above. — This  is  a  very  common  disease 
among  horses,  and  is  confounded  by  most  horse  doctors 
with  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  distempers,  and  colds ; 
whereas,  it   is    distino-uished  from   inflammation   of  the 


28  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

lungs  by  its  seat,  and  from  the  others  by  as  great  a  dis- 
similarity. 

Bronchitis  occurs  in  various  degrees  of  intensity,  and 
should  at  least  be  described  under  two  heads,  notwith- 
standing the  one  distinction  should  run  as  it  does  some- 
times the  one  into  the  other. 

1.  Acute  Bronchitis. 

Symptoms. — Ushered  in  by  a  chill,  fever,  harsh  or 
painful  cough,  loss  of  appetite,  heaving  at  the  flanks, 
mouth  hot  and  dry.  In  a  day  or  so,  a  discharge  of  pus 
or  matter  will  be  observed  from  one  or  both  nostrils. 

If  bleeding,  or  other  severe  measures  be  used,  the 
horse  will  assuredly  die,  not  so  much  from  the  disease, 
but  from  maltreatment.  Better,  in  a  disease  of  this  kind, 
let  nature  have  her  way,  and  give  the  horse  a  chance  for 
his  life ;  for  in  the  other  case,  he  has  absolutely  none 
whatever. 

Treatment. — First,  the  horse  should  be  treated  as  for 
fever.  Place  the  horse  in  an  open  or  airy  place,  em- 
braced by  the  word  "  comfortable."  Obviously  it  would 
not  be  comfortable  to  place  a  sick  horse  in  an  open  place, 
with  the  thermometer  below  zero.  In  July  or  August, 
it  will  not  be  necessary  to  burden  the  animal  with 
blankets. 

Give  him  from  fifteen  to  twenty  drops  of  the  tincture 
of  aconite  root  every  four  hours,  till  six  doses  are  taken. 
This  will  relieve  the  fever,  breathing,  and  the  hot  and 
dry  mouth.  Give  plenty  of  cold  water  to  drink,  as  pain 
and  fever  require  plenty  of  fluid,  as  all  the  secretions  are 
dried  up.  Let  the  animal  have  a  little  grass,  if  it  can  be 
got :  this  will  relax  the  bowels,  and  cool  the  stomach. 
On  the  second  day,  the  following  medicines  may  be 
given,  that  is,  if  they  be  necessary: — Powdered  gentian. 


BRONCHITIS.  29 

root  two  ounces,  powdered  nux  vomica,  one  ounce.  Mix, 
and  divide  into  six  powders,  and  give  one  powder  morn- 
ing, noon,  and  night.  These  medicines  will  prevent  de- 
bility and  depression,  and  the  pouring  out  of  fluid  or 
serum  into  the  legs,  sheath,  belly,  and  breast.  After 
the  fever  has  been  removed,  allow  good  feed,  and  a  fair 
quantity  of  it.  Such  treatment  will  not  only  cure  the 
horse  in  five  or  six  days,  but  the  horse  is  nothing  the 
worse,  only  the  loss  of  a  few  days'  work. 

2.  Chronic  Bronchitis. 

Symptoms. — A  confirmed  cough,  more  or  less  severe, 
and  a  discharge  from  the  nose.  The  cough  worse  in  the 
morning,  and  after  drinking  water. 

Causes. — Maltreatment  of  acute  cases  of  bronchitis, 
and  where  the  attack  has  been  prolonged  beyond  a  rea- 
sonable time,  causing  ulceration  or  thickening  of  the 
windpipe. 

Treatment. — Give  extract  of  belladonna,  half  drachm, 
powdered  digitalis,  half  drachm,  three  times  in  the  day, 
morning,  noon,  and  night,  for  a  few  days.  If  no  good 
seems  to  have  been  done,  a  different  plan  will  have  to  be 
adopted,  namely,  feed  the  animal  well,  and  give  sulphate 
of  iron,  two  drachms  in  powder,  gentian  root,  two 
drachms  in  powder,  twice  in  the  day  for  two  weeks. 
By  this  time  the  absorbent  system  will  be  pretty  power- 
ful. Then  apply  the  following  salve  or  ointment,  well 
rubbed  in  down  the  course,^  of  the  windpipe,  once  in  the 
week.  Lard,  one  ounce;  red  iodide  of  mercury,  one 
drachm.  Mix.  This  will  cause  whatever  thickening 
may  exist,  to  be  absorbed  or  taken  up.  Lard  or  oil  will 
have  to  be  applied  once  per  day  on  the  place  where  the 
ointment  was  applied,  to  prevent  the  skin  from  cracking. 
If   the  animal  be    debilitated,    give    occasionally  sixty 


30  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

drops  of   commercial  sulphuric  acid  in  half  a  bucket  of 
cold  water  to  drink. 

Bronchocele. — Pronounced  ^^bronch-sea?,",  is  an 
enlargement  of  the  thyroid  gland,  and  is  situated  on 
and  in  front  of  the  windpipe,  about  three  inches  from 
the  lower  jaw.  In  horses  it  is  only  an  eye-sore  or  ble- 
mish. 

Causes. — In  the  horse  it  is  unknown,  nor  is  it  deter- 
mined what  office  or  use  the  thyroid  gland  performs  in 
man  or  animals. 

Treatment. — Apply  with  friction  by  the  hand  once  a 
week,  biniodide  of  mercury,  one  drachm;  hog's  lard,  one 
ounce.  Mix,  and  make  an  ointment.  Rub  in  a  piece 
about  the  size  of  a  hickory  nut  over  and  around  the  en- 
largement. 

Broken  Knees. — When  a  horse  stumbles  and  falls 
upon  his  knees,  and  takes  the  hair  and  some  of  the  skin 
off,  this  is  called  broken  knees. 

Treatment. — Wash  and  cleanse  the  parts  from  sand 
and  dirt,  and  if  the  skin  is  ragged  and  torn,  clip  off  with 
a  good  pair  of  scissors.  After  this  is  done,  ascertain  if 
there  is  any  discharge  from  the  sore  of  an  oily  substance, 
and  if  so  get  a  smooth  piece  of  iron,  immerse  it  for  ten 
minutes  in  boiling  water,  and  apply  it  to  the  edges  of  the 
wound,  so  as  to  cause  the  parts  to  swell,  and  prevent 
the  escape  of  the  joint  oil;  for  if  this  be  allowed  to  es- 
cape, the  ends  of  the  bones  will  come  against  one  an- 
other. Irritation  and  inflammation  will  be  set  up,  and 
either  destroy  the  life  of  the  horse,  or  make  an  anchy- 
losed  or  stiff  joint.  This  is  an  important  point  to  be  ob- 
served, and  that  very  early  in  all  cases  of  broken  knees 


BURNS   AND   6CALDS.  31 

or  open  joints  wherever  situated.  After  the  hot  iron 
has  been  applied,  use  the  following  wash  twice  in  the 
day : — Sulphate  of  zinc,  half  an  ounce,  rain,  or  soft  wa- 
ter, eight  ounces.  Mix.  This  will  heal  the  sore,  and 
prevent  proud  flesh  from  growing.  This  wash  will  an- 
swer for  the  more  simple  wound  of  the  knee,  and  where 
there  is  no  open  joint.  Do  not  apply  bandages,  as  they 
will  cause  the  whole  leg  to  inflame  and  swell.  Some- 
times a  kind  of  pouch  will  be  formed  by  the  lower  edge 
of  the  wound,  holding  whatever  pus  or  other  fluid  may 
escape.  This  pouch  should  be  opened  at  its  lowest  bot- 
tom, so  as  to  let  the  fluids  out,  and  to  prevent  a  bulge  or 
permanent  swelling  remaining  after  the  knee  has  other- 
wise healed.  By  attention  to  this,  very  little  or  no  ble- 
mish or  scar  will  be  left  to  tell  the  tale  of  a  stumbling 
horse,  or  a  bad  horseman. 

Bruises  of  the  Sole.— (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Burns  and  Scalds.— Injuries  inflicted  upon  some 
parts  of  the  body  by  the  application  of  solid  heat,  is 
called  burns ;  by  fluid  heat,  scalds. 

Treatment. — In  horses  the  treatment  is  chiefly  local ; 
for  in  cases  of  fire  in  large  cities,  the  generation  of  steam 
is  sometimes  so  great,  that  it  is  inhaled  by  animals  in 
the  burning  building:  this  is  termed  scalding.  Not 
much  can  be  done,  nor  is  there  much  hope  of  a  cure  in 
cases  of  this  kind.  The  utmost  that  can  be  done  is  to 
give  plenty  of  cold  water  to'  drink,  and  keep  down  pain 
by  means  of  aconite,  (which  see.) 

For  burns  the  best  application  will  be,  one  pint  of  lin- 
seed oil,  and  half  a  pint  of  lime  water,  stirred  together, 
or  rather  whipped  (as  the  cook  does  with  eggs,)  till  the 
mixture  is  like  thick  cream.     This  is  to  be  applied  to 


32  DISEASES    OF   THE   HORSE. 

the  burned  places,  spread  on  cotton  or  linen  rags  for  a 
few  days ;  then  dress  the  sores  with  simple  ointment. 
(See  Medicines.) 

Bursa  Mucosa  Enlarged. — (See  Spavin  and  Wind 

Galls.) 

Calculi. — Stone  in  the  bladder. 

Cancers. — This  is  a  hard  tumor,  malignant  in  its  cha- 
racter, at  first  small  in  size,  but  rapidly  increases,  sind 
becomes  ulcerated.  The  horse  is  not  aifected  with  so 
many  varieties  of  cancerous  growth  as  the  ox  and  the 
dog,  and  even  man  himself.  Melanotic  cancer  is  most 
commonly  seen  in  gray  horses,  or  those  that  turn  white 
with  age.  A  small  hard  tumor  is  usually  seen  under  the 
root  of  the  tail,  and  about  the  anus. 

When  tumors  of  this  kind  are  seen  on  gray  horses,  it 
may  reasonably  be  expected  that  growths  of  the  same 
character  will  be  found  inside,  on  the  spleen,  stomach, 
and  liver.  Horses  so  affected  may  work  well  for  years, 
and  may  not  for  a  month.  The  tumors  increase  in 
size,  when  cut  into,  they  discharge  a  fluid  as  black  as  the 
ink  of  the  cuttle-fish. 

Causes. — As  this  disease  is  not  seen  in  young  gray 
horses  until  after  they  have  almost  turned  white,  it  may 
be  inferred  that  the  cause  results  from  the  loss,  or  want 
of  the  usual  pigment,  or  coloring  matter,  which  gives  color 
to  the  hair,  thus  depriving  the  animal  of  some  protection 
from  the  air  or  sun.  I  think,  however,  that  the  true 
cause  will  be  found  to  be,  not  in  the  loss  of  the  coloring 
matter,  but  of  its  transfer  from  the  skin  and  hair  to  the 
blood.  Hence  the  inky  color  of  the  contents  of  the  tu- 
mors. This  opinion,  which  is  my  own,  is  still  farther  cor- 
roborated by  the  fact  that  if  the  pus  be  taken  from  an 


CAPPED   ELBOW.  33 

abscess,  and  injected  into  the  blood  of  a  healthy  animal, 
carbuncles  containing  pus  will  soon  manifest  themselves. 
Treatment. — Incurable ;  but  when  one  of  these  tumors 
breaks,  treat  it  as  an  ordinary  abscess,  (which  see.) 

Canine  Rabies. — (See  Hydrophobia.) 

Capped  Elbow. — This  is  an  enlargement  on  the 
point  of  the  elbow,  just  behind  the  shoulder,  and  on 
the  side  of  the  chest:  sometimes  it  is  in  the  form  of  a 
simple  abscess,  (which  see.)  But  the  usual  form  is  that 
of  an  encysted  tumor,  or  a  fluid  contained  within  a  cyst 
of  fleshy  walls,  which  do  not  suppurate. 

Cause. — The  horse,  when  lying,  rests  the  point  of  the 
elbow  upon  the  heels  of  his  front  shoe.  It  is  a  symptom 
of  disease  of  the  leg,  preventing  the  animal  from  properly 
flexing  or  bending  the  leg  proper  upon  its  thigh  or  arm. 
Hence,  the  elbow  rests  upon  the  foot. 

Prevention. — Remove  whatever  disease  may  be  in  the 
leg,  and  place  a  pad  of  leather,  or  of  coarse,  heavy  cloth, 
over  the  back  part  of  the  foot.  Pads  are  made  by  Lacey 
&  Phillips,  Harness  makers,  Phila. 

Treatment.  —  Make  an  incision  with  a  sharp  knife 
through  the  skin,  over  the  centre  of  the  swelling,  and 
carefully  dissect  the  cyst  from  its  attachments.  This 
can  be  done  with  the  fingers  and  a  blunt  piece  of  wood, 
flattened  at  its  point  like  a  butter  knife,  and  no  sharper. 
If  the  operator  be  timid,  and  think  he  cannot  cut  the  cyst 
out,  open  it,  and  let  out  the  matter,  and  inject,  once  per 
day,  a  little  tincture  of  iodine,  to  kill  the  walls  of  the  cyst, 
so  that  it  will  not  fill  again.  (See  Medicines.)  A  knife 
is  only  wanted  to  cut  the  skin.  After  the  tumor  is  taken 
out,  treat  the  part  as  a  simple  wound,  by  keeping  it  clean, 
and  applying  a  solution  of  zinc,  or  blue  stone. 

3 


34  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Capped  Hock. — This  is  a  soft  swelling  on  the  point 
of  the  hock-joint. 

Causes. — Kicking  in  the  stable  or  in  harness,  lying 
upon  stone-paved  stalls,  and  from  being  kicked  by  ano- 
ther horse. 

Treatment. — Apply  cold  water  cloths  to  the  part  for  a 
few  days,  taking  them  off  at  night.  After  the  heat  and 
tenderness  have  subsided,  apply,  with  rubbing,  once  every 
fifth  day,  for  three  times,  if  it  be  necessary,  an  ointment, 
composed  of  one  drachm  of  iodide  of  mercury;  and  hog's 
lard,  one  ounce.     Mix. 

Carditis. — This  is  applied  to  disease  of  the  heart. 
Heart  disease  is  also  known  as  the  Thumps.  Incurable. 
(See  Heart  Disease.) 

Caries. — This  term  means  an  ulceration  of  the  bone. 
The  most  frequent  form  of  caries  is  seen  on  the  lower  jaw- 
bone; the  teeth  are  next  affected.  If  the  upper  teeth  be 
ulcerated  to  any  extent,  a  fetid  (stinking)  discharge  will 
run  from  the  nostril  upon  the  side  on  which  the  diseased 
teeth  are  situated,  which  has  been  repeatedly  mistaken 
for  glanders  by  "horse  doctors."  If  caries  of  the  bones 
of  the  head  exist,  the  swelling  of  the  head  will  be  enor- 
mous— Big-Head,  or  Osteoporosis — and  not  Osteosar- 
coma,  as  it  is  called  by  Mr.  Jennings. 


BONE    FORCEPS. 


Cause. — A  disposition  in  the  system  to  appropriate  to 
the  bones  more  calcareous  or  earthy  matter  than  is  re- 
quired. 


CASTRATION. 


35 


Treatment. — If  caries  be  confined  to  the  teeth^  have 
them  taken  out.  When  confined  to  the  bones  of  the  head, 
it  is  incurable.  The  animal  will  die  of  hunger,  as  he  is 
unable  to  use  his  tongue  and  jaws,  or  gather  and  chew 
his  feed.  Happily,  not  a  common  disease  in  the  Middle 
States.  I  have  heard  of  many  cases  in  the  Western 
States.  Arsenic  and  the  hot  iron  are  there  recommended. 
Better  let  the  horse  die  than  increase  his  suffering,  as  he 
will  die  any  way. 

Castration. — This  is  an  operation  for  the  purpose  of 
depriving  the  horse-colt  of  his  entirety  by  the  removal  of 
the  testes.  It  is  a  simple  and  safe  operation.  Any  per- 
son having  once  seen  it  done,  can  do  it  also,  if  he  have 
the  resolution  to  do  so.  It  has  been  recently  demon- 
strated that  castration  can  be  performed  on  aged  horses 
with  as  much  safety  as  on  those  in  colthood.  This  is  at- 
tributed to  the  mode  or  manner  of  operation,  namely,  by 
an  instrument  called  the  Ecraseur,     (See  Instruments.) 


ECRASEUR,   (OR  NSW  INSTRUMENT   FOR   CASTRATING   COLTS.) 

No  clamps,  no  firing  nor  twitching,  nor  any  trouble  af- 


36  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

terward.  The  instrument  is  manufactured  especially  for 
this  purpose,  by  surgical  instrument  makers  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

Cataract. — (See  Eye  Diseases.) 

Catarrh.— (See  Cold.) 

Cautery. — This  term  is  applied  to  the  operation  of 
searing  a  part  with  a  red-hot  iron.  Happily,  this  cruel, 
and  in  many  instances  unnecessary  operation,  is  becoming 
among  the  things  that  were.  It  used  to  be  applied  to 
sprains,  ring-bones,  and  spavins.  Since  the  discovery  of 
the  preparations  of  iodine,  and  their  absorbent  proper- 
ties, the  iron  is  little  used. 

Chest  Diseases. — The  diseases  of  the  chest  are  many 
and  important.  In  it  are  the  heart,  lungs,  and  great 
blood-vessels.  The  diseases  of  these  organs  will  be  found 
under  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs,  or  Lung  Fever,  Pleu- 
risy, Coughs,  Bronchitis,  and  Glanders. 

Chest  Founder. — (See  Founder.) 

ChilL — This  term  means  a  shiver,  as  if  the  horse  were 
cold.  This  is  the  way  many  diseases  and  fevers  are 
ushered  in.  If  the  chill  be  checked  soon,  this  will  stop, 
in  many  cases,  the  disease  that  was  forming.  For  this 
purpose,  give  twenty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root 
in  a  wine-glassful  of  water,  and  pour  down  the  throat, 
out  of  a  short-neck  bottle ;  cover  the  body  with  a  blanket, 
and  rub  the  legs  to  bring  the  circulation  to  the  surface 
of  the  body,. and  all  will  be  well. 

Choking. — Choking  very  rarely  occurs  in  horses; 
very  frequently  in  cattle.  If  choking  should  occur  in 
the  horse,  there  is  little  chance  or  hope  of  saving  his  life, 
if  he  be  a  spirited  animal,  and  the  substance  be  high  in 


CHOREA.  37 

the  gullet.  In  a  very  extensive  practice,  embracing  many- 
years,  I  have  never  seen  a  case  of  choking  in  the  horse, 
except  on  a  few  occasions,  and  then  it  was  only  a  ball  of 
aloes  sticking  in  the  throat.  If  a  ball  of  any  thickness 
stick  in  its  passage  to  the  stomach,  and  it  have  passed 
down  some  distance,  it  is  called  low  choke,  and  is  not  so 
dangerous  as  if  it  stick  in  the  entrance  to  the  gullet — 
Jiigh  choke. 

Treatment. — In  low 'choke,  press  down  with  the  hand 
over  the  substance  in  the  gullet,  and  try  to  move  it.  Do 
this  not  too  strongly,  but  continue  it  for  a  time.  If  un- 
successful, one  pint  of  fish,  sweet,  or  linseed  oil,  melted 
lard,  or  sirup  of  any  kind,  will  be  apt  to  move  the  sub- 
stance on  its  way  down.  If  these  should  fail  after  a  good 
trial,  then  have  the  guile!;  opened  right  over  the  substance, 
and  take  it  out,  and  put  in  one,  two,  or  three  stitches, 
with  strong  saddlers'  silk.  Make  the  stitches  separately 
from  each  others  for  if  this  be  not  done,  and  one  break, 
the  others  will  also  become  loose. 

In  high  choke,  the  irritation  and  excitement  are  great, 
which  prevent  much  being  done  to  relieve  the  animal. 
Try  the  oil,  and  see  what  can  be  done  in  that  way.  The 
treatment  is  purely  mechanical,  so  use  ingenuity  to  over- 
come the  difficulty.  ^ 

Chorea. — This  is  a  rare  disease  in  the  horse,  but  com- 
mon in  dogs.  It  accompanies  cases  of  madness  in  all 
animals,  and  depends  upon  mervous  excitement,  which  is 
seen  in  the  constant  twitching  of  the  muscles  of  the  body. 
It  is  clearly  sympathetic  in  its  character. 

Treatment,  —  Removal  of  the  cause,  whatever  that 
may  be. 

Cold. 

Symptoms. — Cough  slight,  fever,  and  discharge  more 


38  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

or  less  from  one  or  both  nostrils,  sometimes  of  a  tliin, 
watery  material,  or  a  thick,  creamy  pus.  The  lining 
membrane  of  the  nose  is  red  and  inflamed.  Cold  some- 
times even  extends  into  the  throat  and  lungs,  giving  rise 
to  quickened  breathing  and  uneasiness.  When  it  extends 
to  the  stomach,  it  is  called  by  the  French  gastritis  mu- 
cosa. When  it  spreads  to  the  chest,  it  is  called  bron- 
chitis, (which  see.)  No  disease  is  more  common  than 
cold  among  young  horses;  but,  unfortunately,  it  rarely 
runs  its  course  as  such.  Cold  assumes  one  or  more  of 
the  forms  just  mentioned. 

Cause. — Exposure  to  cold  and  stormy  weather. 

Treatment. — In  Germany,  it  is  said  that  a  cold,  if  let 
alone,  will  get  well  in  a  fortnight,  and  if  treated  by  a 
skilful  doctor,  he  will  cure  it  in  fourteen  days.  How- 
ever, give  the  animal  a  few  doses  of  aconite,  (see  Medi- 
cines,) to  remove  the  fever,  and,  if  possible,  to  prevent 
complications,  or  its  farther  spread  to  the  neighboring 
parts.  If  the  appetite  keep  good,  nothing  more  need  be 
done ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  if  the  breathing  quicken,  and 
the  appetite  be  poor,  and  debility  be  setting  in,  tonics 
and  stimulants  will  be  necessary.  Get  the  following  me- 
dicine, and  give  one  powder,  morning,  ftoon,  and  night, 
mixed  with  a  little  cold  water,  and  drench  the  horse  with 
it: — Take  powdered  gentian  root,  powdered  pimenta  ber- 
ries, powdered  carbonate  of  ammonia,  of  each  two  ounces. 
Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve  powders.  When  the  appetite 
improves,  give  good  feed,  but  not  by  any  means  in  suffi- 
cient quantity  to  bring  on  indigestion.  Give  green  feed, 
if  it  can  be  had.  This  is  a  most  simple  and  successful 
plan  of  treating  common  cold. 

Gold  Lotions. — These  are  now  called  refrigerant  lo- 
tions.    Ice-water  makes  a  good  and  economical  refrige- 


COLIC. 


39 


rant,  when  applied  to  a  sprain.     (See  Prescriptions  and 
Medicines.) 

Colic. 

(1.)  Spasmodic  Colic. 

Symptoms.— AW  at  once  the  horse  that  a  few  moments 
ago  was  well,  apparently,  shakes  his  head— leaves  his 
feed,  looks  round  at  his  flank,  mostly  at  the  right  side,  as 
if  pointing  out  the  seat  of  the  disease,  scrapes  the  ground 
with  his  front  foot,  and  almost  strikes  his  belly  with  one 
of  the  hind  ones.  The  spasm  continuing,  the  horse  breaks 
out  into  a  sweat,  heaving  at  the  flanks ;  great  excitement, 
kicking,  and  rolling;  intervals  of  ease  from  pain. 

Causes.—Drmkmg  cold  water  wfien  heated,  or  colder 
water  than  commonly  used,  as  a  city  horse  is  used  to 
drinking  water  which  is  warmer  in.  summer,  and  colder 
in  winter,  than  water  taken  from  a  pump ;  washing  the 
belly  with  cold  water;  driving  horses  into  a  pond  of  cold 
water. 

Treatment— (^i^Q  something  to  heat  the  stomach  and 
bowels.  Try  a  bottle  of  warm  ale  or  porter,  adding  a 
little  whiskey,  or  a  tablespoonful  of  ground  ginger  to  it. 
If  relief  be  not  obtained  in  half  an  hour,  give  a  drench, 
composed  of  tincture  of  aconite  root,  twenty-five  drops; 
spirit  of  turpentine,  one  ounce ;  one  bottle  of  cold  ale  or 
porter.  If  necessary,  give  injections  of  warm  water,  (not 
hot,)  soap,  and  a  handful  of  table  salt.  Occasionally 
walk  the  horse  about,  to  excite  the  bowels  to  action. 

(2.)  Stercoral  Colic. 

>%m^^oms.— Similar  to  the  above  variety,  but  conti- 
nues longer,  and  is  not  quite  so  severe  or  painful. 

Caitses.— Impaction  or  constipation  of  the  bowels. 

Treatment.— Vo^^QVQdi  aloes,  one  ounce;  tincture  of 
aconite  root,  twenty-five  drops ;  chloroform,  half  an  ounce. 


40  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Mix  in  a  bottle  of  ale  or  porter,  and  give  in  a  drench  out 
of  a  horn,  or  stout  bottle.  The  aconite  will  have  to  be 
given  every  four  hours,  till  the  pain  has  given  way.  En- 
courage the  operation  of  the  aloes  by  injections  every 
hour. 

(3.)  Flatulent  Colic. 

Symptoms. — Pain  is  considerable  at  first,  which  in  a 
few  hours  gives  way  to  sleepiness,  (see  Coma.)  This  is 
caused  by  distention  of  the  bowels  with  gas,  commonly 
called  wind,  thereby  paralyzing  the  par  vagus  and  nerve 
centres,  and  ultimately  the  brain  itself.  This  variety  of 
colic  is  readily  distinguished  from  the  others  by  the  swell- 
ing of  the  belly,  particularly  at  the  flanks,  called  tympa- 
nitis, or  drum-belly. 

Causes, — Indigestion  of  food  in  the  stomach;  fermen- 
tation is  set  up,  and  there  is  evolution  (giving  forth)  of 
carbonic  acid  gas.  This  gas  is  not  liberated  per  rectum 
from  the  body  as  speedily  as  generated.  The  horse  and 
cow  cannot  belch  or  eruct  wind  from  their  stomachs,  as 
man  and  the  dog  can ;  hence  the  frequency  of  tympanitis 
in  horses  and  cows. 

Treatment. — Try  injections  first,  as  in  many  cases  I 
have  cured  this  variety  by  this  means  alone.  If  gas  or 
wind  come  away  with  the  injection,  the  case  will  soon  end 
well.  When  no  benefit  is  derived  from  the  injections, 
give,  in  a  little  cold  water,  aloes  in  powder,  one  ounce; 
sulphuric  ether,  one  ounce;  tincture  of  opium,  two  ounces. 
If  these  measures  fail  in  giving  ease  from  pain,  pour  two 
ounces  of  chloroform  on  a  small  moist  sponge,  and  hold 
it  to  the  nostrils,  not  too  closely,  but  admit  a  portion  of 
air  with  the  fumes  of  the  chloroform,  (see  Medicines.) 
The  sponge  may  be  placed  in  a  towel,  and  the  ends  car- 


COMA. 


41 


ried  up  around  the  nose  of  the  horse,  to  save  waste;  or 
place  the  sponge  in  the  bottom  of  a  nose  bag,. and  put  it 
on  the  head,  but  not  too  close  upon  the  nose. 

Last  Remedy.— li  must  be  confessed  that  the  longer 
this  disease  is  unrelieved,  the  more  remote  is  the  chance 
of  recovery,  as  the  bowel  sometimes  contracts  upon  itself, 
or  nearly  closes  altogether.  To  overcome  this  condition 
an  operation  is  recommended,  which  I  do  not  say  will  be 
a  success,  nor  yet  a  failure.  When  it  failed  in  my  hands, 
it  was  not  because  the  gas  was  not  let  out  of  the  bowels, 
but  because  the  blood  had  become  so  disintegrated,  and 
the  nervous  centres  so  paralyzed,  that  the  sanative  powers 
of  the  constitution  had  received  too  great  a  shock  to  ever 
rally  again. 

The  Operation. —  Procure  an  instrument,  (see  In- 
struments,) called  a  trocar.  If  this  be  not  at  hand, 
sharpen  a  breakfast  knife,  and  measure  an  equal  dis- 
tance from  the  haunch  bone  and  the  short  rib,  and  not 
too  high  upon  the  back ;  force  the  knife  into  the  distended 
bowel,  and  turn  the  knife  in  the  wound  thus  made,  and 
hold  it  there  until  all  the  imprisoned  gas  has  escaped; 
and  as  the  gas  sometimes  still  accumulates,  keep  the 
knife  or  instrument  in  the  wound,  if  it  be  for  half  a  day. 
When  the  knife  or  instrument  is  taken  out,  place  a  piece 
of  sticking  plaster  over  the  wound.     (See  Medicines.) 

Stones,  or  hair  calculi,  are  often  found,  after  death,  in 
the  bowels  of  horses  subject  to  colic.  I  have  seen  six 
taken  from  one  mare  that  I  had  under  treatment.  Re- 
member, the  great  principle  in  the  treatment  of  colic,  in 
all  its  forms,  is  to  relieve  pain.  This  also  holds  good  in 
most  diseases  of  horses.  The  doctor,  if  he  fail  to  allay 
pain,  cannot  cure  the  disease. 

Coma.— A  horse  is  said  to  be  in  a  comatose  state  when 


42  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

in  an  apoplectic  fit,  in  sleepy  staggers,  and  when  dying 
from  spasmodic  colic,  (which  see.) 

Congestion  of  the  Lungs. — (See  Lung  Diseases.) 

Constipation. — A  confined  condition  of  the  bowels 
accompanying  fever,  liver  and  lung  diseases.  Horses  ha- 
bitually costive  should  be  supplied  with  soft  feed  and 
grass  in  season.  Costiveness,  as  a  concomitant  of  fever, 
etc.,  should  in  all  cases  be  let  alone,  as  it  is  a  provision 
of  nature  to  protect  herself  from  exhaustion. 

Consumption. 

Causes. — Repeated  attacks  of  influenza,  lung  fever, 
or  bronchitis,  or  any  of  these  diseases  treated  by  bleed- 
ing, and  other  reducing  remedies  or  agents.  Consump- 
tion, in  the  horse,  runs  its  course  in  from  one  to  two 
weeks. 

Nature  of  Consumption. — A  wasting,  or  breaking 
down  of  the  structure  of  the  lungs.  The  tuberculous 
form  of  consumption  I  have  never  seen  in  the  horse.  Tu- 
bercles are  seen  in  bad  cases  of  glanders,  (which  see.) 
These  tubercles  suppurate,  and  discharge  pus.  This  pus 
is  absorbed  and  taken  into  the  blood,  and  sets  up  a  fer- 
ment, or  leaven,,  as  the  Scriptures  call  it.  This  is  the 
great  trouble  in  consumption  in  man,  and  glanders  in  the 
horse.  Why  authors  have  not  called  this  tuberculous 
disease  in  horses  consumption  I  do  not  know,  except  it 
be,  and  I  am  inclined  to  believe  it  is,  from  an  entire  ig- 
norance of  its  true  pathology  or  character. 

Treatment. — Incurable.  To  prolong  the  life,  beef  soup, 
iron,  gentian,  tonics  and  stimulants,  are  indicated.  In 
the  tuberculous  form,  sulphite  of  soda  should  be  given 
to  arrest  the  ferment,  and  keep  the  blood  clear  of  impu- 
rities, in  addition  to  the  remedies  to  support  the  strength. 


CORYZA    GANGRENOSA.  43 

(See  Medicines.)  Decay,  putrefaction,  fermentation,  are 
true  and  scientific  expressions,  with  no  vague  meaning. 
Such,  then,  are  the  conditions  embraced  in  the  word  con- 
sumption, whether  in  men  or  animals. 

Contagion. — This  term  is  applied  to  something,  as 
the  virus  of  glanders,  coming  in  contact  with  the  body  of 
an  animal  in  health,  producing  a  similar  disease  to  that 
existing  in  the  animal  from  which  it  came.  In  a  word, 
it  is  a  specific  poison.  Few  diseases  of  animals  are  con- 
sidered contagious.  The  following  diseases,  however,  are 
considered  of  that  character : — Glanders,  in  horses ;  con- 
tagious typhus  (rinderpest)  and  small-pox,  in  cattle ;  and 
small-pox,  in  sheep.  Although  many  animals  may  be 
taken  sick  one  after  another,  this  is  no  proof  that  the  dis- 
ease (excepting  those  just  named)  is  contagious;  for  it 
must  be  remembered  that  a  number  of  animals,  all  situated 
and  cared  for  in  the  same  way,  are  certainly  subjected  to 
the  same  exciting  causes  that  produced  the  disease  in  the 
first  animal  that  was  afi*ected.  Those  that  escaped  the 
disease  were  not  predisposed  to  take  it ;  hence  their  ex- 
emption from  its  efi'ects. 

Prevention. — Separate  the  sick  from  the  well.  All 
buckets,  or  other  materials,  that  were  in  contact  with  the 
sick,  will  have  to  be  cleansed  and  purified.  (See  Disin- 
fectants.) 

Contraction. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Convalescence. — A  term  applied  to  the  time  which 
elapses  between  the  controlling  of  acute  disease,  and  the 
restoration  of  the  patient  to  perfect  health. 

Corns. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Coryza  Gangrenosa. — This  name  is  applied  to  an 


44  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

ulcerated  condition  of  the  membrane  of  the  nose  super- 
vening in  a  case  of  cold.  It  is  evidence  of  general  debi- 
lity, and  disintegration  or  deterioration  of  the  membrane. 

Corrosive  Sublimate. — (See  Medicines  and  Poisons.) 

(1.)  Cough. — A  symptom  of  disease  of  the  respiratory 
organs,  as  tubercles  of  the  lungs,  thickening  of  the  lining 
membranes  of  the  windpipe,  and  enlargement  of  the  glands 
of  the  neck.  I  have  seen  cough  from  indigestion  in  a  few 
cases,  but  this  is  rare  in  horses. 

(2.)  Cough,  Chronic. 

Causes. — Debility,  or  softening  of  the  par  vagus  nerves, 
heaves,  or  broken-wind,  (which  see,)  are  some  of  the  causes 
which  produce  acute  cough. 

Treatment. — Removal  of  whatever  is  the  cause,  (causa 
sublata  tulitur  effectus.) 

Counter-irritants. — An  external  application,  which, 
when  applied,  causes  an  irritation  or  inflammation  coun- 
ter or  opposite  to  that  which  exists  inside.  (See  Medi- 
cines.) 

Cow  Hock. — This  name  is  applied  to  a  condition  or 
malformation  of  those  hocks  that  incline  forward,  thus 
forming  a  fulcrum,  over  which  the  posterior  straight  liga- 
ment passes ;  this  condition  favoring  a  sprain  of  the  liga- 
ment, which  is  called  curb.     (See  Hock  Diseases.) 

(1.)  Cramp. — Cramp  of  the  stomach  or  bowels  of 
horses,  cannot  readily  be  distinguished  from  spasmodic 
colic,  (which  see.) 

(2.)  Cramp  of  the  Hind  Leg.— This  affection  is 
common  among  young  horses  of  an  irritable  tempera- 
ment. It  is  often  mistaken  for  dislocation  of  the  patella, 
sometimes  called  luxation  of  the  patella,  (which  see.) 


CRIB-BITING.  45 

Symptoms. — The  horse  will  persistently  refuse  to  move 
the  leg  from  the  position  in  which  it  is  placed.  Quiver- 
ing or  excitement  of  the  muscles  of  the  thigh,  accompa- 
nied with  irritation  and  fever.  The  horse  cannot  he 
moved,  as  he  refuses  to  do  so. 

Causes. — Irregularity  of  the  nervous  system. 

Treatment. — Move  the  animal,  if  it  be  possible,  and 
the  cramp  will  give  way.  Dashing  cold  water  against 
the  thigh  will  often  remove  it.  The  horse  will  get  well,  if 
time  be  only  given  him.  Thus,  if  a  person  leave  the  sta- 
ble to  tell  some  one  of  the  matter,  he  will  be  surprised, 
on  coming  back,  to  find  the  horse  well. 

Crib-Biting. — This  is  not  a  disease,  but  a  vice — a 
bad  habit,  which  the  horse  has  learned,  of  sucking  wind 
into  the  stomach  by  placing  his  lips  against  the  manger. 
The  habit  has  been  so  strong  in  some  horses,  that  when 
they  could  get  no  place  to  press  the  lips  against,  they 
have  stooped  down  and  placed  the  lips  against  the  arm 
of  their  own  front  leg.  This  vice  is  sometimes  called 
wind-sucking. 

Causes. — Idleness,  indigestion,  and  learning  it  from 
other  animals  in  the  same  stable. 

Prevention. — Keep  horses  in  loose  boxes,  or  other 
places  where  there  are  no  fixtures  but  the  walls ;  regular 
feed  and  regular  work. 

Treatment. — Do  not  let  the  horse  stand  in  the  stable 
twenty  hours  out  of  the  twenty-four.  Feed  him  regu- 
larly, and  work  him  as  regularly.  Turn  the  animal  to 
pasture,  and  when  he  is  brought  home  in  the  fall  of  the 
year,  have  a  loose  box  prepared  for  him  without  any  fix- 
tures, as  manger  trough  or  rack.  Place  his  hay  upon 
the  floor,  and  his  oats  or  corn  in  a  small  trough,  and  re- 
move it  as  soon  as  the  feed  is  eaten. 


46  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

Curb. — One  of  the  many  diseases  of  the  hock-joint. 
(See  Hock  Diseases.) 

Curby-Hocked. — (See  Cow  Hock.) 

Cutaneous  Diseases. — (See  Skin  Diseases.) 

Cutting. — (See  Interfering.) 

Death. — The  great  law  of  the  universe  makes  limits 
of  duration  to  every  structure  endued  with  life,  and  pre- 
pares a  way  for  the  resolution  of  every  material  provided 
with  vital  principles  into  matter  of  the  earth.  The  indi- 
vidual existence  of  all  organized  bodies  is  merely  tempo- 
rary; none  escape  the  necessity  of  perishing. 

Debility. — This  is  a  condition  accompanying  many 
diseases.  Hence,  the  necessity  of  guarding  against  any 
measure  in  the  treatment,  even  of  a  disease  of  an  exalted 
kind,  that  will  reduce  the  strength.  The  animal  thus 
affected  rapidly  becomes  weak  and  debilitated  to  such  an 
extent  as  may  cost  it  its  life. 

Simple  Debility. — May  be  local,  that  is,  confined 
to  a  part,  as  in  partial  paralysis,  from  the  effects  of  a 
blister  applied  to  a  part,  or  from  a  kick  or  injury. 

Symptoms. — A  thickening  or  swelling  of  the  parts. 
The  swelling  is  not  inflammatory,  but  soft,  and  contains 
fluid.     ((Edema.) 

Treatment. — Powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  one  ounce 
and  a  half;  gentian  root,  two  ounces;  chlorate  or  ni- 
trate of  potassa,  one  ounce.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve 
powders,  and  give  one  night  and  morning  mixed  in  cut 
or  soft  feed,  with  no  more  water  in  the  feed  than  will 
keep  the  particles  together.  Feed  the  animal  generously 
and  well.     Debility,  and  swelling  of  the  legs  of  horses 


DEFORMITIES.  47 

now-a-dajs,  at  least  in  the  United  States,  can  be  pro- 
duced by  simply  keeping  a  portion  of  their  usual  feed 
from  them  for  two  or  three  days. 

General  Debility. 

Syynptoms. — Swelling  of  the  legs,  sheath,  breast,  and 
belly.  Disturbed  breathing.  The  horse  is  very  weak, 
and  easily  pushed  from  off  his  feet  by  the  hand.  Indeed, 
he  stacTgers  as  he  walks,  and  sometimes  falls  to  the 
ground. 

Causes.— Bleeding  or  giving  physic  (a  purge)  in  the 
treatment  of  disease,  especially  in  diseases  of  the  chest. 
Starving  and  low  diet  given  to  a  sick  horse,  when  he 
should  be  supported  in  the  midst  of  his  sickness  by  good 
feedincr.  The  very  neglect,  or  want  of  knowledge  on 
this  point,  has  killed  thousands  of  horses  that  would 
have  lived,  that  have  been  sacrificed  to  the  shrine  of  ig- 
norance, error,  and  bad  judgment.  This  condition  of 
things  in  relation  to  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the 
horse,  and  indeed  all  our  faithful  animals,  may  be  as- 
cribed to  the  diligence  and  persistence  of  the  American 
publishers  deluging  the  country  with  reprints  of  old 
Enf^lish  books  that  should  never  have  been  written. 

o 

Treatment — Give  plenty  of  good  feed  to  the  mal- 
treated animal,  and  give  the  following  blood-making 
medicines:— Powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  three  ounces; 
gentian  root,  three  ounces.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twenty- 
four  powders,  and  give  one  powder  night  and  morning. 
If  there  is  much  swdi^ng  about  the  body,  add  five  grains 
of  powdered  Spanish  fly  to  the  evening  powder  for  a  few 
nights  only.  Be  assured  the  animal  is  fully  restored 
before  it  is  put  to  hard  work. 

Deformities.— In  young  colts  will  often  be  observed 


-jf. 


48  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

a  deformity  of  one  or  both  forelegs  from  the  knee  down, 
giving  the  whole  appearance  an  awkward  look.  Farm- 
ers having  such  a  colt  should  not  think  it  useless,  or 
at  all  impaired;  for  in  my  own  extensive  practice,  I  have 
not  seen  one  that  did  not  become  as  perfect  as  the  most 
perfect  of  animals. 

Observe. — Whether  the  mother  have  sufficient  milk  for 
the  colt,  and  if  not,  teach  the  colt  to  suck  milk  out  of  a 
bottle,  or  from  something  else ;  for  by  good  nourishment 
these  deformed  conditions  of  the  legs  will  disappear. 

Diabetes. — This  is  a  disease  accompanied  by  a  great 
and  frequent  flow  of  urine,  containing  sugar  in  solution. 

Causes. — The  sugar,  starch,  and  some  of  the  food  are 
transferred  into  sugar.  The  origin  of  this  affection  is 
supposed  to  be  a  ferment  changing  the  material  of  the 
system  into  sugar,  as  diastase  converts  starch  into  sugar 
in  malting. 

Symptoms. — Great  flow  of  clear  urine,  very  great 
thirst,  ravenous  appetite,  weakness  and  general  debility. 

Treatment. — Although  this  disease  is  considered  incu- 
rable, I  have  on  two  occasions  cured  the  animal  by  the 
iodide  of  iron,  too  expensive  a  medicine  to  be  recom- 
mended for  general  use.  The  action  of  this  medicine, 
at  least  the  iodide  portion,  allayed  the  thirst,  and  the 
iron  supported  the  strength  and  system,  also  acting  as  an 
astringent  {to  dry  up.) 

This  medicine  should  be  seconded  by  good  feeding  and 
plenty  of  it.     (See  Iodide  of  Iron  in  Medicine  list.) 

Diaphoretics. — This  term  is  applied  to  medicines 
having  the  power  of  producing  sweating.  The  horse  is 
not  easily  acted  upon  in  this  way  by  the  use  of  medi- 
cines, except  by  one  or  two  atricles,  as  aconite  or  vera- 


DIATHESIS.  49 

trum,  (which  see.)  Slight  moisture  on  the  skin  is  very 
desirable  in  cases  of  fever.  The  cold  water  douche  is 
used  by  hydropaths  for  this  purpose. 

When  sweating  is  desired  for  the  cure  of  disease,  it 
must  be  done  without  increasing  the  heart's  action.  This 
is  the  great  secret  in  producing  diaphoresis. 

Diarrhoea. 

(1.)  Simple  Diarrhcea  consists  of  a  looseness,  or 
fluid  condition  of  excrement,  from  something  irritant  in 
the  bowels,  and  which  does  not  freely  pass  away.  When 
this  condition  is  present,  and  no  pain,  griping  or  pawing 
as  in  colic,  it  may  be  well  let  alone. 

(2.)  Continued  Diarrhcea. — This  is  often  the  case 
when  irritation  does  not  pass  away  with  the  offending 
matter,  and  the  bowels  continue  to  discharge  a  thin 
fluid.  There  is  slight  pain  or  colic.  When  this  is  the 
case,  suspect  some  irritant  poison.     (See  Poison.) 

Treatment.  —  From  whatever  cause  the  diarrhoea 
may  arise,  treatment  that  will  allay  pain  is  demanded. 
First.  Give  twenty  to  twenty-five  drops  of  the  tincture 
of  aconite  root  in  a  little  cold  water.  Then  give  the 
following  powder  every  two  hours,  until  a  change  for 
the  better  has  taken  place: — Prepared  chalk,  half  an 
ounce ;  catechu  in  powder,  one  drachm ;  opium  in  pow- 
der, ten  grains.  Allow  the  animal  plenty  of  water  to 
drink,  which  will  help  to  keep  or  allay  irritation,  or 
what  disposition  there  may  be  to  inflammation.  Bran 
mashes  should  be  given  for  a  few  days,  so  as  to  over- 
come the  effects  of  so  much  drying  or  binding  medicine. 
Cake  meal,  or  ground  flaxseed,  will  be  an  excellent  as- 
sistant in  this  particular. 

Diathesis. — When  we  read  in  medical  books  of  the 

4 


50  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

word  diathesis,  it  means  a  well-marked  tendency  in  a 
disease  by  a  corresponding  diathesis:  for  example,  a 
cancerous  diathesis  or  an  inflammatory  diathesis. 

Diet. — The  different  articles  used  by  the  horse  as  food. 

Disinfectants. 

French,  Delsenfectants ;  German,  Fauhiisswidrige  suh- 
stanzen. 

Disinfectants  are  such  as  remove  the  causes  of  infec- 
tion, or  any  injurious  taint.  To  accomplish  this  effect, 
disinfectants  will  have  to  embrace  a  class  of  substances 
known  by  the  name  of  antiseptics,  (agents  which  prevent 
animal  or  vegetable  matter  being  decomposed,)  and  deo- 
dorizers, (agents  which  destroy  hurtful  or  bad  smells, 
when  arising  from  decomposing  material.) 

(1.)  Natural  Disinfectants. — The  atmospheric  is 
the  great  disinfectant.  The  soil  has  been  found  a  valua- 
ble disinfectant,  decomposing  animal  matter  with  great 
quickness,  and  sending  out  gases  which  are  without 
taint  of  any  kind.  Hence,  the  necessity  of  deep  burial 
of  animals  dying,  or  that  have  been  killed,  on  account 
of  contagious  diseases. 

Ventilation  is  entirely  a  mechanical  plan  of  disinfect- 
ing, and  which  is  in  the  power  of  every  farmer  in  the 
land  to  more  or  less  perfect  in  all  buildings  containing 
horses,  cattle,  etc.  In  ventilating,  it  is  only  necessary 
to  admit  the  purest  air,  and  for  this  purpose  have  the 
openings,  or  ventilators  placed  at  least  eight  to 'ten  feet 
from  the  ground,  as  it  is  well  known  that  heavy  vapors 
are  sometimes  seen  a  few  feet  above  the  ground.  Also, 
the  ventilation  should  come  from  the  front  or  top  of  the 
building,  as  the  back  of  a  stable  is  never  so  pure  as  its 
front. 


DISINFECTANTS.  51 

Water  is  the  next  great  disinfectant  employed  by  na- 
ture, although  moist  bodies  decay  more  rapidly  than  dry. 
It  is  a  disinfectant  by  the  process  of  washing,  which  is 
mechanical.  It  is  in  this  way  that  each  shower  of  rain 
becomes  a  natural  disinfectant.  Light  is  another  disin- 
fectant, which  seems  to  have  been  overlooked  by  many, 
when  their  barns  and  stables  were  built.  Without  light, 
the  rose  would  lose  its  color,  and  man  and  animals  would 
lose  and  never  attain  their  vigor. 

In  proof  of  the  advantage  of  light,  in  maintaining 
health  and  warding  off  disease,  it  is  stated  that  in  a  bar- 
rack at  St.  Petersburg,  there  was  only  one  case  of  dis- 
ease on  the  side  laid  open  to  the  light,  to  three  on  the 
dark  side. 

Heat  and  cold  are  two  agents  highly  useful  as  disin- 
fectants. Heat  prevents  fermentation  and  decay  by 
drying  and  changing  the  chemical  state  of  substances,  as 
it  were,  by  cooking,  whether  by  fire  or  the  sun.  Cold, 
again,  is  the  most  powerful  antiseptic  and  disinfectant. 
Frosts  prevent  decay  and  disease,  and  at  the  same  time 
share  the  connection  existing  between  them. 

1.  Artificial  Disinfectants. — Creosote  is  a  most 
powerful  antiseptic  and  disinfectant,  when  applied  to  a 
part,  but  it  is  not  easily  managed.  Smoke  is  another 
good  antiseptic,  as  it  contains  a  little  creosote.  By  it 
herring  and  other  fish  are  preserved. 

Spices,  and  other  aromatic  substances,  have  long  been 
used  as  disinfectants,  but  they  possess  no  such  property, 
as  they  do  not  prevent  decomposition  of  bodies:  they 
merely  cover  the  smell. 

Chloride  of  lime  and  chloride  of  zinc  act  as  good  disin- 
fectants. 

The  chloride  of  manganese  is  certainly  as  economical  a 


52  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

disinfectant  as  can  be  used  by  the  farmer.     It  is  cheap 
and  efficient,  and  not  dangerous  like  chloride  of  zinc. 

Sulphurous  acid,  or  rather  its  fumes,  has,  in  all  ages, 
been  used  as  a  disinfectant,  and  by  general  consent  it  is 
considered  to  be  most  valuable.  Its  action  on  animal 
and  vegetable  substances  is  readily  seen  by  the  change  in 
color  produced.  In  the  form  of  sulphate  of  soda,  it  will 
arrest  the  vinous  fermentation  in  cider  and  other  mate- 
rials ;  or  if  injected  into  the  veins  of  dead  animals,  it  em- 
balms them  most  perfectly. 

For  stables  and  houses  filled  with  animals  nothing  will 
answer  so  well  as  chloride  of  lime,  or  McDougal's  disin- 
fecting powders,  applied  to  the  floors  and  excrement  once 
per  day  with  a  large  dredging  box. 

For  empty  houses  chlorine  gas  will  be 
found  as  convenient  and  good  as  any. 
For  this  purpose,  procure  a  strong  wide- 
mouthed  bottle,  fill  it  about  half  full  of 
bin  oxide  of  manganese,  close  all  the  doors 
and  windows,  and  other  open  places,  then 
fill  up  the  bottle  with  the  spirits  of  salt, 
uTeTrngenerating  and  retire  and  close  the  door.  This  may 
chlorine  gas.  j^g  repeated  a  few  times  in  the  course  of  a 
week.  The  fumes  that  are  disengaged  will  penetrate  to 
every  crevice  and  corner  in  the  building.  This  operation 
any  farmer  can  perform  himself,  as  there  is  no  risk 
whatever.  The  spirits  of  salt  will  have  to  be  kept  in  a 
glass-stoppered  bottle  till  it  is  wanted,  as  it  will  not  only 
eat  a  common  cork,  but  it  will,  by  exposure  to  the  air, 
abstract  moisture  from  it,  by  which  it  greatly  loses  its 
virtue  and  strength.  As  before  stated,  this  plan  of  dis- 
infecting is  only  to  be  used  when  the  house  is  empty. 
(See  Sulphurous  Acid  Gas  in  Part  II.) 


DROPSIES.  53 

Distemper. — (See  Influenza.)  ^ 

Diuretics. — A  name  given  to  those  medicines  which 
cause  an  increased  secretion  from  the  kidneys.  Example, 
chlorate  and  nitrate  of  potassa,  the  Spanish  fly,  and 
eupurpurin.     (See  Medicines.) 

Dropsies. — Every  school  boy  is  familiar  with  the  term 
dropsy,  which  means  an  unnatural  accumulation  of  water 
in  the  cavities  of  the  body-chest,  heart-case,  belly,  breast, 
sheath,  and  cellular  tissue  of  the  legs.     (See  Debility.) 

1.  When  water  is  in  the  chest  it  is  called  Hydrothorax. 
This  is  the  immediate  cause  of  death,  in  pleurisy  in  the 
horse  and  pleura  pneumonia  in  cattle,  the  animal  dying 
by  sufi'ocation  or  asphyxia. 

2.  When  in  the  belly,  it  is  called  Ascites. 

3.  When  in  the  ceUular  tissue,  and  confined  to  a  portion 
only  of  the  body,  as  the  leg  or  sheath,  it  is  called  (Edema; 
but  if  the  swellings  are  over  difi*erent  portions  of  the 
body,  it  is  called  Anasarca. 

4.  When  in  the  heart-case  or  pericardium,  it  is  called 
dropsy  of  the  heart. 

Causes. — Treatment  of  diseases  by  starving,  or  low 
diet,  bleeding,  blistering,  and  physicking.  Injury  to  a 
part  will  be  followed  by  watery  swellings  in  the  neigh- 
boring parts. 

Treatment. — Blood-making  food  and  medicines,  are 
imperatively  demanded.  Corn-meal  mixed  with  bran 
and  cut  hay.  Grass,  if  it  can  be  had.  A  bottle  of  strong 
beef  tea  or  soup,  given  daily,  will  be  of  great  use.  Give 
the  following  medicine  three  times  a  day,  either  mixed 
in  the  feed  or  poured  down  the  mouth  with  a  bottle : — 
Powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  one  dram  ;  powdered  gentian 
root,  two  drams;  Spanish  fly,  two  grains;  mix.    Friction 


54  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

over  the  swelling  will  be  of  use.  Sometimes  it  will  be 
necessary  to  make  slight  incisions  or  cuts  through  the 
skin  to  let  out  the  imprisoned  fluid.  Do  not  blister  such 
swelling,  as  it  is  apt  to  produce  ragged,  running  sores, 
difficult  to  heal,  and  leaving  a  blemish. 

Water  in  the  chest  is  removed  by  introducing  an  in- 
strument (See  Instruments,)  called  a  trocar,  but  some- 
Avhat  smaller  than  the  one  used  for  lioven  in  cattle. 
Also  it  is  removed  by  absorption  and  by  diuretics. 
(Which  see.) 

Dysentery. — (See  Diarrhoea.) 

Ear  Diseases. 

(1.)  Small  Tumors. — Sometimes  tumors  of  various 
shapes  and  sizes  are  seen  in  the  ear  of  the  horse,  pro- 
ducing a  kind  of  canker  in  that  organ. 

Symptoms. — Shaking  of  the  head;  will  not  let  much 
familiarity  be  made  with  it ;  running  or  starting  back, 
when  the  collar  or  bridle  is  being  taken  up  over  the  ears. 

Causes. — Irritation  and  inflammation  of  the  skin  of 
the  ear,  producing  small  pimples  of  proud  flesh. 

Treatment. — Removal  with  the  knife,  scissors,  or  caus- 
tic; then  apply  the  simple  ointment  as  for  a  simple  sore. 
(See  Prescription  in  Medicine  list.) 

(2.)  Injuries  of  the  Ear. — Injuries  to  the  ear 
take  place  from  the  use  of  the  whip,  the  bite  of  a  dog,  or 
from  another  horse  biting  it. 

Treatment. — Treat  as  for  a  common  sore,  by  simple 
ointment  and  by  cleanliness. 

(3.)  Deafness. — Not  often  observed  in  horses. 

(4.)  Foreign  Substances  in  the  Ear. — Remove 
them  by  the  forceps. 


EMPHYSEMA.  55 

(5.)  Abscess  in  the  Ear. —  Treatment  as  for  Abscess, 
which  see.) 

(6.)  Dry  Gangrene  in  the  Ear. — Two  cases  of  this 
affection  have  been  brought  to  my  notice,  in  which  the 
concha  of  the  ear  had  dried  up,  withered,  and  dropped 
off. 

Ecchymosis. — Bhack  spots  observed  on  the  lungs  of 
cattle  and  horses  having  died  from  pleuro-pneumonia. 

Eczema. — (See  Mange.) 

Elephantiasis. — A  name  applied  to  a  swelled  leg. 
(See  Grease.) 

Embrocation. — A  term  applied  to  liniments.  (See 
Prescriptions.) 

Emetics. — Medicine,  when  taken  into  the  stomach  of 
man  and  some  animals,  causing  them  to  vomit.  The 
horse,  ox,  and  sheep  do  not,  or  rather  cannot  vomit. 
Hence,  tartar  emetic  has  no  effect  upon  them. 

Emphysema. — This  is  a  name  signifying  wind  swell- 
ing, caused  by  the  escape  of  air  into  the  cellular  tissue, 
as  between  the  skin  and  the  flesh,  or  rather  the  fascia 
and  the  skin.  Pressure  with  the  hand  on  these  windy 
swellings  causes  a  crackling  noise  or  sound.  This  con- 
dition sometimes  arises  in  the  chest,  and  is  attended  with 
difficult  breathing  and  anxiety  of  countenance. 

Causes. — AVounds  in  the  chest,  and  when  underneath 
the  skin,  it  is  caused  by  undue  pressure  on  the  part, 
causing  a  separation  of  the  skin  from  the  fascia. 

Treatment. — This  consists  in  evacuating  the  air  by 
slight  punctures  on  the  surface  of  the  swelling,  assisted 
by  gentle  pressure  of  the  hand. 

When  in  the  lungs,  give  good  feeding,  and  occasionally 
small  doses  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root,  say  ten  drops, 


56  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

three  times  in  the  day,  to  relieve  the  breathing,  until  the 
lungs  heal  up. 

Encysted  Tumors.— (See  Tumors.) 

Encephaloid. — (See  Tumors.) 

Enema. — (See  Injection.) 

Enteritis. — (See  Bowel  Diseases.) 

Enzootic  is  a  good  name  for  cattle  disease,  as  it 
makes  the  disease  among  animals  instead  of  upon  man. 

Ephemeral. — A  fever,  which  runs  its  course  in  twelve 
to  forty-eight  hours. 

Epidemic. — This  term  is  applied  to  diseases  of  ani- 
mals, but  improperly,  as  the  term  is  exclusively  a  name 
that  should  only  be  used  for  diseases  when  man  is  the 
subject.  Ein^  upon,  and  demo,  the  people — a  disease 
upon  the  people.  Epizootic  is  the  proper  name  for  ani- 
mal diseases,  ^ph  upon,  and  zoon^  an  animal — diseases 
upon  animals. 

Epizootic- — A  disease  that  attacks  many  animals  at 
the  same  time  and  season,  originating  in  one  common 
cause.  Examples — epizootic-influenza  in  the  horse,  and 
pleuro-pneumonia  in  cattle. 

Epilepsy. — An  epileptic  horse  should  never  be  used 
for  family  driving.     (See  Megrims.) 

Epiphora. — (See  Eye  Diseases.) 

Epsom  Salts. — (See  Medicines.) 

Eruptions. — Eruptions  are  more  a  symptom  than  a 
disease  itself.  (See  Strangles,  Surfeit,  Stings  of  Insects, 
and  Scarlatina.) 

Erysepilas. — This,  as  an  independent  disease,  is  not 
often,  if  at  all,  seen  in  horses.  It  is  often  present  after 
accidents,  as  a  bruise  or  a  broken  bone. 


EYES, 


57 


Symptoms.^A  hard,  tense  and  painful  swelling  of  the 
parts,  accompanied  with  irritation  and  excitement  through 
the  entire  system. 

Treatment— Give  twenty  to  twenty-five  drops  of  the 
tincture  of  aconite  root  four  times  in  the  day,  to  calm 
the  system.  Apply  cold  iced  water,  with  woollen  cloths, . 
to  the  part.  If,  from  hroken  bones,  try  and  remove,  or 
adjust  them  in  position  to  one  another,  and  secure  them 
so  with  splint  and  bandage.  In  severe  cases  of  broken 
bones,  the  animal  had  better  be  killed.     (See  Fractures.) 

Exostosis.— (See  Splint  and  Bony  Tumors.) 

Eyes,  Diseases  of  the. 

Before  referring  to  the  diseases  of  this  organ,  it  may  be 
necessary  to  say  a  few  words  as  to  the  structure  of  the  eye. 

(1.)  The  eyelids  are  composed  of  skin,  and  under  it 
the  fibres  of  a  circular  muscle  which  close  the  eyelids. 
The  eyelids  are  lined  internally  with  a  mucous  mem- 
brane called  the  conjunctiva,  which  is  reflected  from 
them  over  the  anterior  surface  of  the  eyeball. 

(2.)  The  globe  of  the  eye  is  not  exactly  round,  for  it 
is  more  like  a  segment  of  a  smaller  circle  put  into  a 
greater  one. 

(3.)  The  clear  portion  of  the  eye  is  called  the  cornea, 
and  forms  a  portion  of  the  globe. 

(4.)  The  sclerotic  coat  is  what  is  called  the  white  of 
the  eye;  and  just  back  of  it  is  what  is  called  the  choride 
coat  of  the  eye.  And  immediately  within  this  choride 
coat  is  placed  the  retina,  or  the  expansion  of  the  optic 
nerve,  or  the  nerve  of  sight. 

(5.)  The  humors  of  the  eye  occupy  the  anterior  cham- 
ber, as  well  as  pass  into  the  posterior.  The  iris  floats  in 
this  humor,  and  behind  it  will  be  found  the  magnifying 


68  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

lens  of  the  eye.  This  is  a  double  convex,  and  is  placed 
in  the  centre  of  vision,  and  fronting  the  next,  or  vitreous 
humor  of  the  eje.  This  humor  is  enclosed  in  a  capsule, 
called  the  hyaloid  membrane.  The  eyes  of  the  horse 
are  so  placed  in  his  head,  that  he,  at  the  same  time,  sees 
different  objects  with  each  eye,  which  peculiarity  ac- 
counts for  the  shying  and  starting,  when  one  eye  is  im- 
perfect or  diseased.  If  one  'eye  only  be  altogether  de- 
stroyed, the  horse  will  not  shy  or  start,  but  will  be  a  use- 
ful animal.  This  is  the  reason  why  cataract  on  the  eye 
of  a  horse  had  better  be  let  alone,  as  any  imperfect  sight 
will  make  the  horse  dangerous  to  drive,  objects  being 
seen  in  distorted  form.  Better  the  eye  be  completely 
destroyed  than  partially  so. 

(1.)  Amaurosis. — This  is  the  same  disease  that  Mil- 
ton was  affected  with,  and  was  called  by  him  "  drop  se- 
rene." It  is  a  complete  or  partial  blindness  from  loss 
of  sensation,  or  feeling  of  the  optic  nerve. 

Symptoms. — This  is  the  most  serious  disease  affecting 
the  eye  of  either  man  or  horse,  and  is  ushered  in  by 
weeping  and  partial  closure  of  the  eyelids.  A  thin  film 
or  scum  will  soon  be  observed  .to  spread  over  the  whole 
of  the  front  of  the  eye.  This  condition  will  pass  off  for 
a  week  or  two,  and  then  return  with  increased  violence 
until  the  sight  will  be  entirely  destroyed.  Spots  will  be 
seen  between  each  attack,  deep  in  the  eye,  gradually  in- 
creasing in  size,  till  the  nerve  of  sight  is  totally  destroyed. 

Causes. — Inflammation  affecting  the  brain,  tumors,  or 
bone  pressing  upon  the  optic  nerve. 

Treatment. — Doubtful  of  cure.  Small  doses  of  strych- 
nine may  be  tried  to  restore  the  sensibility  of  the  optic 
nerve,  or  colchicum  may  be  used.     (See  Medicine.) 


EYES.  •  59 

Observe, — There  are  many  horses  with  extreme  flat 
foreheads,  the  bones,  seemingly  pressing  upon  the  lower 
portion  of  the  brain,  just  where  the  optic  nerve  is  given 
out  to  the  eyes.  These  flat-headed  (that  is  in  front  of 
the  head)  horses,  I  have  observed  to  go  blind  about  the 
seventh  year  of  their  age.  Blindness  arising  from  such 
a  cause,  may  justly  be  laid  at  the  door  of  hereditary 
causes.  Breeding  from  blind  mares  should,  therefore, 
be,  as  a  rule,  avoided.  If  a  mare  from  accident  become 
blind,  there  are  no  scientific  reasons  why  she  should  not 
be  used  for  breeding  purposes.  What  is  to  be  observed 
is  not  to  breed  from  a  mare  that  has  a  very  flat  forehead, 
and  has  not  gone  blind  from  accident  or  injury  to  the 

eye. 

(2.)  Floating  Spots  in  the  Eye. — Sometimes  dark 
cloudy  spots  or  specks  will  be  seen  floating  in  the  eye, 
more  or  less  movable,  rising  and  falling,  as  the  eye  itself 
moves.  If  they  are  unattended  with  weakness  of  the 
eye,  or  the  spots  are  not  fixed,  and  dark,  indicating  the 
commencement  of  the  disease  named  above,  they  will  be 
no  great  injury. 

Caiises.—Some  constitutional  disturbance,  over  driving, 

or  hard  work. 

Treatment— Inject,  or  apply  cold  water  several  times 

in  the  day. 

(3.)  Iritis. — Inflammation  of  the  iris. 

Causes.— Gold  and  exposure,  producing  rheumatism 
in  that  portion  of  the  eye. 

5?/mpiowiS.— Bedness  of  the  eye,  and  muddy  color  of 
the  cornea.     The  iris  is  a  little  changed  in  color. 

Treatment— The  application  of  moist  poultices  to  the 
eye  for  a  few  days  to  allay  inflammation,  or  irritation. 
Then  apply  three  times  daily,  with  a  small  brush  called 


60  DISEASES   OP    THE   HORSE. 

a  camel's  hair  pencil,  the  following  mixture : — Nitrate  of 
silver,  twelve  grains;  rain  water,  four  ounces.  The 
brush  to  be  dipped  in  the  mixture,  and  drawn  lightly 
across  within  the  eye.  Keep  the  horse  from  the  light  as 
much  as  possible. 

(4.)  Inflammation  of  the  Sclerotic  Coat. 

Symptoms. — The  coat  is  of  a  pink-red  color. 

Cause. — Rheumatism. 

Treatment. — A  teaspoonful  of  the  wine  of  colchicum 
root,  four  times  in  the  day ;  comfortable  stabling  and  ge- 
nerous feeding. 

Half-drachm  doses  of  the  iodide  of  potassium  may  be 
tried  in  this  case.  Half-ounce  doses  of  sesquicarbonate 
of  soda,  occasionally,  will  be  of  service. 

(5.)  Polypi.  Small  excrescences  are  sometimes  seen 
to  arise  from  the  iris,  but  require  no  treatment,  as  they 
will  pass  away  of  themselves. 

(6.)  Spots  and  Ulceration  of  the  Cornea. 

Symptoms. — Blood-vessels  tinged  with  blood;  small, 
elevated  spots,  which  are  sometimes  ulcers,  and  at  other 
times  small  abscesses,  owing  to  the  abscesses  being  whole 
or  broken. 

Treatment. — Take  belladonna,  half  a  drachm;  cold 
water,  six  ounces.  Mix,  and  apply  to  the  parts  with  a 
camel's  hair  pencil  dipped  in  the  mixture.  Scarify  or 
open  the  angular  veins  of  the  eye,  and  foment  with  warm 
water,  to  insure  a  good  flow  of  blood.  This  treatment 
should  be  followed  by  a  lotion  of  the  nitrate  of  sil- 
ver, or  of  blue  stone — sulphate  of  copper,  (see  Medi- 
cines,) to  destroy  the  ulcers  inside  of  the  eyelids ;  then 
apply  the  belladonna  lotion  as  before.  It  will  require 
repeated  applications  alternately  to  efi*ect  a  complete  cure. 
It  will  be  advisable  to  feed  the  horse  well,  to  increase  ab- 


EYES.  61 

sorption  of  effused  fluids  and  thickenings.  Iron  and  gen- 
tian will  be  useful.     (See  Medicines  and  Prescriptions.) 

(7.)  Weeping  from  the  Eye. — This  is  more  properly 
a  symptom  than  a  disease — a  swelling  of  the  caruncula 
lachrymalis — a  small,  round  body. 

Treatment. — Touch  the  swelling  with  a  camel's  hair 
pencil  dipped  in  the  lotion  of  blue  stone,  or  nitrate  of  sil- 
ver. Four  grains  to  an  ounce  of  rain  water,  will  be  strong 
enough  for  this  purpose.  This  treatment  will  cure  the 
weeping,  provided  the  tear-duct  be  open. 

(8.)  Closing  of  the  Eyelids. 

Treatment. — Apply  warm  water  with  a  sponge  for  a 
period  sufficiently  long,  so  as  to  dissolve  or  dilute  the  mu- 
cus, which  causes  the  lids  to  stick  together.  To  prevent 
a  recurrence  during  some  diseases  of  the  eyes,  smear  the 
lids  with  sweet  oil,  or  cold  cream,  every  night  while  the 
disease  lasts. 

(9.)  Hair  Growing  in  the  Eye. — Scientifically,  this 
is  called  Trichiasis.  The  removal  of  the  hair  by  twee- 
zers, or  forceps,  and  the  application  of  some  eye-wash  to 
remove  the  irritation,  are  the  proper  means  to  be  em- 
ployed. 

(10.)  Swelling  of  the  Eyelids. — This  is  sometimes 
observed  in  bad  cases  of  mange,  (which  see.) 

(11.)  Simple  Ophthalmia,  or  Catarrhal  Oph- 
thalmia. 

Sy^nptoms. — A  thick,  mucous  discharge  from  the  eye, 
accompanying  cases  of  cold  or  catarrh,  redness  and  swell- 
ing of  the  membrane  lining  the  inside  of  the  eyelids.  This 
condition  and  appearance  resemble  the  lining  of  the  nose 
in  cases  of  cold.  This  affection  may  with  propriety  be 
called  muco-purulent  ophthalmia,  and  it  is  not  unlike 
the  Egyptian  ophthalmia  of  man,  produced  by  the  intro- 


62 


DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 


duction  of  the  flying  sands  of  the  Arabian  desert.  Oph- 
thalmia may  be  simple  or  acute;  consequently,  the  treat- 
ment will  be  accordingly. 


OPERATING   ON   THE   ETE. 


Treatment. — The  application  of  cold  water ;  or  if  the 
cold  seem  to  give  pain,  warm  water  should  be  used  in- 
stead. Open  the  angular  veins.  This  is  done  as  fol- 
lows : — Take  a  sharp  knife,  and  simply  cut  the  skin  and 
the  veins  which  are  seen  underneath  at  the  lower  corner 
of  the  eye,  and  bathe  with  warm  water,  which  will  induce 
them  to  bleed  freely.     Give  grass,  or  some  other  opening 


EYES.  63 

and  cool  feed.  Give,  also,  half-ounce  doses  of  sulphite 
of  soda  daily  for  a  few  days.  The  nitrate  of  silver  lo- 
tion, or  the  blue  stone,  will  do;  it  is  cheap  and  easily 
procured,  and  therefore  better  adapted  for  the  farmer  or 
stable  man.  Apply  as  elsewhere  recommended.  Never 
use  sugar  of  lead  lotions  as  an  eye-wash  to  the  eye, 
which  books  so  often  recommend.  They  are  positively 
injurious  to  the  eye  by  their  producing  dulness,  or  opa- 
city of  the  cornea— or  the  clear,  transparent  part  of  the 
eye the  very  brightness  of  which  indicates  health,  beau- 
ty, and  intelligence  in  a  horse ;  so,  once  for  all,  I  say, 
use  no  Goulard's  solution  of  lead.  Copper  is  infinitely 
better,  and  never  leaves  dimness  of  the  eye  or  vision.  If 
copper  be  not  at  hand,  chloride  of  zinc,  one  grain,  to  an 
ounce  of  rain  or  distilled  water,  is  an  excellent  applica- 
tion to  the  eye  of  a  horse  suffering  from  purulent  oph- 
thalmia.    (See  Medicines  and  Prescriptions.) 

(12.)  Moon  Blindness,  terminating  in  Cataract.— 
This  disease  is  a  serious  one,  and  frequent,  consisting  of 
inflammation  of  the  internal  parts  of  the  eyeball,  the  cho- 
roid coat  and  the  iris  more  particularly. 

Symptoms.— Iw  the  morning,  perhaps,  the  eyelids  will 
be  found  closed;  a  large  flow  of  tears;  the  back  portion 
of  the  eye  dim  and  clouded.  No  specks  are  to  be  seen, 
as  in  some  other  diseases  of  the  eye.  A  yellow  border 
will  be  observed  at  the  bottom  of  the  chamber.  This  is 
pus.  The  attack,  or  inflammation,  will  last  from  two  to 
three  weeks ;  at  the  end  of  which  time  the  eye  will  brighten 
up,  and  the  ordinary  observer  may  think  that  the  eye  is 
completely  cured.  The  pus  is  entirely  absorbed,  scarcely 
leaving  any  traces  behind,  except  a  degree  of  dimness. 
In  one,  two,  or  three  months,  and  not  by  the  regularity 


64  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

of  the  moon's  changes,  as  horsemen  suppose,  the  disease 
reappears,  having  the  same  symptoms  and  characteristics 
as  in  the  first  attack,  only  a  greater  deposit  of  pus  will  be 
left  at  each  subsequent  attack.  One  attack  succeeds  ano- 
ther until  the  whole  pupil  is  filled  with  matter,  consti- 
tuting cataract,  thus  completely  destroying  the  eyesight. 
This  disease  is  usually  at  first  confined  to  one  eye,  but  in 
some  cases  both  are  afi"ected,  one  usually  more  severely 
than  the  other. 

Treatment. — This  disease  is  deemed  incurable,  which  fact 
has  often  induced  the  owner  of  an  animal  thus  affected  to 
sell  him,  being  well  aware  that  the  disease  will  at  no  distant 
day  return,  and  leave  upon  his  hands  a  blind  horse.  An 
application  of  cold  water  and  the  tincture  of  opium  should 
be  used  to  allay  pain  and  irritation:  cold  water,  one 
ounce;  tincture  of  opium,  two  drachms;  to  be  applied  by 
means  of  a  camel's  hair  pencil. 

Observe. — When  one  eye  of  a  horse  is  affected  with  this 
disease,  the  other  will  also  ultimately  become  affected. 
To  prevent  this,  it  has  been  advised,  as  is  done  in  man,  to 
have  the  diseased  eye  entirely  extirpated.  In  horses,  I 
would  rather  puncture  the  cornea  with  a  lancet,  and  allow 
the  watery  humor  to  escape,  thus  permitting  the  diseased 
eye  to  sink  in  the  head.  This  being  done  successfully, 
the  remaining  eye  will  not  only  retain,  but  will  increase 
in  lustre  and  brightness. 

False  ftuarter. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Farcy. — The  reader  will  be  not  a  little  surprised  at 
the  opinions  that  are  advanced  by  me  in  regard  to  this 
disease,  especially  if  he  be  a  reader  of  the  books  on  the 
diseases  of  horses.  In  these  books  we  are  distinctly  told 
that  farcy  is  a  variety  of  glanders,  and  that  farcy  buds 


FARCY.  65 

are  of  the  same  nature  as  the  ulcers  of  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  the  nose  in  cases  of  glanders.  This  may  or  may 
not  be  true.  But  why  not  have  given  the  reasons  why 
these  relations  were  so  related  to  each  other  ?  Thus  as- 
sertion is  put  for  fact,  and  ignorance  for  great  knowledge. 
Farcy  is  not  a  disease  attacking  the  absorbent  vessels, 
nor  glanders  of  the  lining  membranes  of  the  nose.  Farcy, 
we  are  again  told,  is  curable,  and  in  the  very  next  sen- 
tence that  glanders  is  incurable.  Why  this  peculiarity? 
for  if  the  diseases  be  the  same,  they  ought  to  be  both  sus- 
ceptible of  cure.  From  all  that  has  been  said  and  written 
on  the  subject  of  farcy  and  glanders,  nothing  satisfactory 
has  been  gained,  but  much  that  is  calculated  to  perplex. 
Farcy  is  the  "scrofula"  of  the  horse.  It  is  unknown  in 
countries  and  climes  where  this  disease  in  man  is  never 
seen,  and  a  disease  inseparable  from  the  present  manner 
of  domestication.  In  a  word,  the  disease  called  farcy  is 
nothing  more  nor  less  than  the  effects  of  a  class  of  patho- 
gens called  ferments,  leavens,  or  zumins,  acting  and  pro- 
ducing fermentation  in  the  blood.  (See  Glanders.)  In 
medicines  zumins  are  used,  such  as  yeast,  rennet,  pepsin, 
and  cow-pox  matter.  Among  the  various  diseases  of  the 
horse  produced  by  ferments,  are  glanders,  farcy,  purpura, 
grease,  and  several  eruptions  of  the  skin  and  legs.  This 
is  readily  explained.  For  instance,  if  the  liver,  kidneys, 
skin,  and  bowels  of  a  horse  be  not  acting  right,  how  is 
effete  matter  to  be  eliminated  or  carried  from  the  blood 
or  the  body  of  the  animal?  This  effete  matter,  as  a  small 
piece  of  membrane,  dead  bone  or  pus,  not  escaping  by  the 
usual  channels,  will  decay  and  become  an  active  ferment 
in  the  blood  and  in  the  fluids  of  the  body.  This,  then, 
is  the  only  true  explanation  of  the  phenomena  of  farcy 
in  the  horse. 

5 


66  DISEASES    OF   THE   HORSE. 

Symptoms. — An  unhealthy  coat;  bad  habit  of  body; 
one  leg,  usually  the  fore  leg,  will  swell  to  a  very  large 
size;  hot  and  painful,  and  in  a  day  or  two  it  will  break 
out  in  small  running  ulcers,  or  sores,  discharging  a  sa- 
nious  fluid,  sometimes  of  a  thick  and  resinous  color.  On 
the  inside  of  the  leg,  or  on  the  side  of  the  body  or  the 
neck,  will  be  seen  a  thick,  corded,  and  elevated  substance 
under  the  skin,  of  considerable  hardness,  and  interrupted 
at  distances  with  a  small  sore  similar  to  that  on  the  leg. 
In  some  cases — not  in  every  case — circumscribed,  and 
soft,  puffy  swellings,  will  be  seen  about  the  mouth,  lips, 
and  indeed  on  many  parts  of  the  body.  These  swellings 
are  not  to  be  confounded  with  swelling  of  the  legs,  belly, 
breast,  sheath,  etc.,  in  cases  of  weakness  or  debility. 
These  swellings  have  been  named  water  farcy  by  some 
people,  but  have  no  connection  with  true  or  malignant 
farcy  whatever,  and  are  not  in  any  way  infectious  or  con- 
tagious. After  some  alterations  and  changes  occupying 
a  few  weeks,  the  animal  becomes  much  changed  for  the 
worse,  the  blood  becoming  so  deteriorated  and  changed  in 
character  that  the  animal's  vitality  soon  gives  way,  and 
the  horse  dies  a  miserable  object. 

Causes. — Overcrowding  horses  in  small  and  insufficient 
houses,  with  little  or  no  ventilation,  each  animal  repeat- 
edly breathing  the  noxious  or  waste  material  from  the 
lungs  of  his  companions,  thus  introducing  into  the  blood 
a  powerful  pathogen  in  the  form  of  a  ferment ;  inoculation 
from  the  virus  of  glandered  or  farcied  horses,  the  inocula- 
tion producing  a  ferment;  debility,  ending  in  changing 
the  character  of  the  blood.  Absorption  of  pus  from  sores 
or  ulcers  into  the  blood  is  another  powerful  ferment,  and 
ends  either  in  farcy,  glanders,  or  some  other  zymotic 
disease. 


FARCY.  67 

Treatment. — Having  fully  and  sufficiently  explained 
the  cause  of  this  disease,  the  treatment  is  almost  already 
pointed  out,  namely,  remove  the  cause,  and  the  effects 
will  cease.  For  this  purpose  give  the  following  substance 
twice  a  day,  a  tablespoonful  to  a  dose: — Sulphzte  (not 
sulph<2te)  of  soda.  This  new  chemical  salt  will  purify  the 
blood,  as  its  action  destroys  fermentation,  whether  in  a 
barrel  of  wine,  cider,  or  in  the  blood  of  a  horse.  Conti- 
nuing this  till  the  horse  is  well,  and  for  a  few  weeks  after- 
wards, two  or  three  times  a  week,  will  be  of  good  service. 
(See  Sulphite  of  Soda.)  While  the  blood  is  thus  being 
purified  and  made  fit  once  more  for  the  purposes  of  life, 
it  will  be  necessary  to  add  something  to  it  also,  thus  as- 
sisting the  powers  of  the  constitution  to  overcome  the 
difficulty.  We  will  not  only  add  to  the  blood,  but  give 
something  to  facilitate  the  removal  of  the  effete  matter 
from  the  body,  without  weakening  the  animal  with  debili- 
tating diuretics.  For  this  purpose,  the  following  medi- 
cine will  be  given: — Powdered  sulphite  of  copper,  three 
ounces;  powdered  Spanish  fly,  one  drachm;  powdered 
gentian  root,  four  ounces.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve 
powders,  and  give  one  powder  at  night  in  some  good  feed, 
with  no  more  cold  water  in  it  than  will  keep  the  particles 
of  the  feed  together.  These  powders  will  do  for  two 
weeks ;  at  the  end  of  that  time  get  more,  and  continue 
them  till  the  horse  is  well.  In  .addition  to  what  has  been 
recommended,  give  grass,  and  good  and  generous  feed, 
for  by  these  means  the  power  and  strength  of  the  body 
will  be  kept  up,  and  a  cure  will  be  more  surely  and  speedily 
effected. 

While  this  treatment  is  going  on,  the  horse  will  have 
to  be  removed  to  a  place  by  himself,  or  from  healthy  ani- 
mals;   keep  all  articles  used  in  feeding,  clothing,  and 


68  DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 

cleansing  him,  in  the  building  with  him.  Remember,  this 
is  considered  one  of  the  contagious  diseases  of  the  horse. 
Not  only  the  safety  of  your  own,  but  of  your  neighbor's 
horse,  depends  upon  your  observance  of  these  directions. 
In  case  you  should  place  a  horse  so  affected,  either  in  a 
field  next  to  your  neighbor,  or  in  his  stable,  and  his  horses 
become  affected,  you  will  be  liable  to  a  suit  at  law  for 
damages  arising  therefrom.  From  my  experience  in  horse 
causes  in  the  courts  of  Philadelphia,  it  will  be  easier  to 
bring  a  suit  than  to  gain  it,  if  there  be  scientific  witnesses 
on  the  stand,  as  the  question  will  arise,  Was  the  disease, 
or  w^as  it  not  communicated  from  the  sick  horse  so  placed? 
Obviously,  these  are  questions  more  easily  asked  than  an- 
swered. 

Fatty  Tumor.     (See  Tumors.) 

Farrier. — Properly,  this  title  belongs  to  the  black- 
smith, whether  a  horse  shoer,  or  of  other  branches  of 
iron  working,  faher  ferrarius;  but  from  some  idea  or 
other,  we  hear  of  persons,  otherwise  well  informed,  say- 
ing, when  speaking  of  accident  or  sickness  to  horses,  to 
have  or  send  for  d,  farrier.  Now,  what  is  there  possessed 
by  workers  in  ,iron,  that  they  should  know  any  more 
about  diseases  and  their  treatment  than  is  possessed  by 
a  worker  in  wood.  Persons  of  education  should  look 
into  the  etymology  of  a  term,  even  if  it  should  be  used 
by  the  mass  of  the  people:  for  it  is  by  the  language 
and  general  deportment,  that  a  man  of  education  is 
known  from  his  less  learned  prototype. 

Fever,  Sympathetic. — This  variety  of  fever  is  that 
which  is  produced  by  accident  and  disease.  Thus,  a 
horse  gets  a  nail  in  the  sensitive  part  of  the  foot,  excite- 
ment or  sympathetic  fever  is  an  accompaniment.     Lung 


FISTULA.  69 

disease  is  accompanied  with  fever,  and  hence  it  is  called 
lung  fever.  Fever  in  the  feet  is  a  common  expression, 
signifying  sympathetic  fever.  -Indeed,  it  is  a  question 
in  my  mind,  whether  fevers  of  all  kinds  are  not  to  be  at- 
tributed to  some  local  or  general  disturbance  of  some  ac- 
tion or  function  of  the  body.  Thus,  the  many  fevers 
which  attack  the  human  family,  can  readily  be  traced  to 
a  predisposing  cause;  as,  for  example,  typhus  fever  is 
caused  by  insufficient  ventilation,  besiged  towns  and  gar- 
risons, preventing  the  removal  of  exuvia. 

Fever  in  the  Feet. — This  is  a  common  disease  in 
horses  of  large  towns  and  cities,  where  the  streets  are 
paved  with  stone  or  iron,  whereby  the  concussion  is  very 
great,  w^hen  horses  are  driven  fast.     (See  Founder.) 

Fibroma. — A  variety  of  tumor.     (See  Tumors.) 

Firing  Horses. — This  is  an  operation  which  is  a 
great  favorite,  and  in  much  repute  among  horse  doctors. 
For  my  part,  I  think  it  not  only  cruel  and  barbarous, 
but  unnecessary,  doing  no  good  whatever,  but  in  many 
cases  a  positive  injury,  from  which  the  effects  will  never 
disappear  from  the  legs  or  body  while  the  animal  lives. 
Firing  is  intended  by  its  advocates  to  prevent  and  cure 
spavin,  curbs,  sprains,  and  ring  bones,  by  scoring  the 
parts  with  a  red  hot  iron  in  lines  over  the  part  that  is 
thought  will  he  diseased  or  are  already  so. 

Fistula. — Examples. — Fistula  of  the  shoulder,  of  the 
poll,  poll  evil,  (which  see,)  and  quittor  or  sinuses  of  the 
foot,  (which  see.)  Fistulas  are  usually  deep-seated,  but 
sometimes  they  are  superficial,  or  just  under  the  skin. 
However,  notwithstanding,  that  we  see  them  sometimes 
so  situated,  it  must  be  confessed  that  it  is  extremely  rare. 
The  fistula,  most  frequent  and  difficult  of  cure,  is  always 


70  DISEASES   OF   THE    HORSE. 

deep-seated,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  a  joint,  as  the  poll 
and  shoulder.  The  reason  of  this  is  easy  of  explanation, 
for  when  these  parts  get  injured,  and  suppurative  action 
is  set  up,  the  pus,  instead  of  pointing  to  the  outward  sur- 
face, burrows  down  in  among  the  loose  textures,  and 
forms  sinuses  or  pipes,  pointing  in  several  directions. 
Fistula  differs  from  a  simple  abscess  only  in  this  particu- 
lar, and  the  difficulty  of  cure.  The  pus  secreted  is  nearly 
the  same.  The  pus  in  a  simple  abscess  is  secreted  from, 
and  a  liquification  of  the  surrounding  tissue  and  the  pus 
of  fistula  is  secreted  from  the  walls  of  a  fibrous  sack, 
which  is  formed  in  most  cases  of  fistula.  The  fistula 
may  be  open  or  whole,  presenting  a  large  swelling. 

Symptoms. — Pain  on  pressure  to  the  parts  aifected, 
followed  by  heat,  pain,  and  swelling,  circumscribed  in 
shape,  hard  at  first,  and  becoming  soft  and  fluctuating 
upon  pressure  by  the  finger,  and  sure  indication  of  fluid 
within.  This  swelling,  from  the  firmness  and  integrity 
of  the  sack  and  skin  in  which  it  is  enclosed,  does  not 
break,  nor  yet  form  sinuses  which  take  on  the  character 
of  an  encysted  tumor,  which  does  not  break  of  its  own 
accord,  as  simple  abscesses  do.  At  other  times,  the  fis- 
tulous tumor  breaks  or  opens  in  several  places,  and  small 
holes  discharge  pus,  some  to-day  and  none  to-morrow. 
The  day  the  discharge  is  free,  the  pain  and  swelling  is 
less.  Among  the  pus  will  be  observed  organized  matter 
like  cheese,  or  in  other  words,  it  is  not  uniform  in  thick- 
ness or  appearance.  This  is  a  disease  which  rarely  ever 
gets  well  of  its  own  eff"orts.  This  arises  from  the  nature 
of  the  sore  having  a  sack,  which  is  only  removed  by  art. 
Also,  from  the  situation  of  fistula  presenting  no  depend- 
ing opening  for  the  outlet  of  the  pus. 

Causes. — Bruises,  accidents,  caries  of  the  bones,  (which 


FISTULOUS   WITHERS.  71 

see,)  inflammation  of  the  bone,  or  any  accident  that  will 
cause  a  simple  abscess,  will  cause  fistula. 

A  blow  that  would  produce  a  common  abscess  on  some 
portions  of  the  body,  will  result  in  fistula  in  other  por- 
tions, as  in  the  vicinity  of  a  joint. 

Treatynent. — If  the  swelling  is  just  forming,  endeavor 
to  put  it  back  by  placing  chopped  ice  in  a  bag  over  it  for 
a  few  days.  By  this  means,  many  a  swelling  which 
would  terminate  in  a  fistula,  will  be  cured  at  once.  This 
not  succeeding,  have  an  opening  made  into  its  lowest 
side,  so  as  the  bloody  water,  which  it  at  this  time  con- 
tains, will  be  discharged.  Then  syringe  a  half  table 
spoonful  of  the  tincture  of  iodine  into  it  once  in  the  day 
for  a  few  days,  to  eat  or  destroy  the  membranous  sack. 
Then  treat  it  as  a  common  sore  by  keeping  it  clean,  and 
the  opening  from  closing  before  it  has  healed  from  the 
bottom.  For  this  purpose,  place  a  small  piece  of  cotton 
in  the  mouth  of  the  opening,  smeared  with  simple  oint- 
ment.    (See  Medicines  and  Prescriptions.) 

Fistula  in  the  Foot. — This  disease,  by  common  con- 
sent, is  called  quittor,  a  fistulous  abscess  in  the  foot. 
(See  Quittor.) 

Fistulous  Withers. — By  farmers  called  Thisolow, 
or  Fisolow.  This  is  an  aifection  described  in  the  pre- 
ceding article  with  this  difference  in  some  cases,  that  it 
extends  through  over  the  top  of  the  bones  of  the  withers 
or  shoulders  to  the  other  side,  thus  forming  a  very  broad 
pad,  as  it  were,  on  the  top  of  the  shoulder,  just  where 
the  shoulder  in  health  is  the  sharpest  and  narrowest. 

Treatment. — Chopped  ice  in  bags  laid  over  the  swell- 
ing, and,  if  necessary,  open  and  take  out  the  sack,  or 
destroy  it  by  the  injection  of  the  tincture  of  iodine,  and 


72  DISEASES    OF   THE   HORSE. 

dress  as  for  a  common  sore.     (See  preceding  Article  and 
Poll  Evil. 

Fits. — This  is  a  term  applied  to  horses  subject  to  me- 
grim, or  staggers,  (which  see,)  causing  them  to  fall. 
Hence,  the  expression,  ^'fitty  horse." 

Flaxseed. — Every  part  of  this  seed  is  used  one  way 
or  another  in  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the  horse. 
The  ground  seed,  mixed  with  warm  water,  is  an  excellent 
cooling  food  for  horses,  almost  a  laxative.  The  pressed 
juice,  or  oil,  is  a  certain  and  safe  purgative  for  the  horse 
in  quart  doses.  The  residue,  which  remains  after  the 
oil  has  been  pressed,  commonly  called  cake  meal,  and 
when  mixed  with  warm  water,  makes  the  best  of  poultices 
to  a  sore  or  wound.     (See  Poultices.) 

Fomentations. — This  term  has  been  used  exclusively 
to  the  application  of  warm  water  to  an  inflamed  or  sprained 
part,  and  sometimes  to  a  sore.  I  may  be  right  or  may 
be  wrong,  when  I  say  that  the  application  of  cold  water 
to  parts  similarly  affected,  are  just  as  much  entitled  to 
the  term  fomentation,  for  certainly  it  is  applied  the  same 
way  and  for  the  same  purpose,  namely,  to  allay  irrita- 
tion in  the  sore  or  sprained  part ;  and  it  has  from  my 
own  experience,  proved  to  have  a  much  better  effect,  and 
in  as  short  a  time.  Cold  applied  has  an  effect  to  brace, 
strengthen,  and  give  tonicity  to  relaxed  sprains  and 
sores.  Warmth  has  an  opposite  effect,  i.  e.,  to  relax  and 
debilitate.  In  foot  diseases,  warm  water  will  be  prefer- 
able for  softening  the  horn.  Where  warm  water  is  used, 
the  cure  should  be  treated  afterwards  by  cold  fomenta- 
tions. A  good  way  to  apply  cold  water  is  by  means  of 
wet  woolen  cloths  wrapped  loosely  around  the  parts,  and 
wet  every  hour  or  so  before  the  skin  becomes  warm.     At 


FOOT   DISEASES.  73 

night  take  all  the  cloths  off:  this  will  prevent  scalding, 
and  falling  off  of  the  hair. 

Warm  water  should  be  applied  the  same  way  as  cold. 

Either  cold  or  warm  fomentations  should  be  continued 
for  a  time  to  get  their  benefits.  It  will  be  well  to  re- 
member, that  when  the  cloths  are  allowed  to  become  dry, 
an  opposite  reaction  is  immediately  set  up.  Cold  is  fol- 
lowed by  increased  warmth  in  the  parts.  Warmth  is  fol- 
lowed by  cold.  This  should  be  well  understood,  for  in 
my  opinion  cold  applications,  with  absolute  and  entire 
rest,  are  the  only  and  best  agents  for  the  speedy  and 
sure  cure  of  sprains  in  whatever  part  of  the  legs  or 
body. 

Foot  Diseases. 

(1.)  Canker  in  the  Foot. — Happily,  this  is  a  rare  af- 
fection, because  it  is  not  easy  managed  from  the  peculiar 
tendency  in  the  horse's  foot  to  grow  and  produce  proud 
flesh,  of  which  this  is  the  essential  principle  of  the  affec- 
tion. Canker  in  the  foot  of  a  horse  may  be  said  to  be  a 
foot  deprived  of  a  part  of  its  sole,  and  in  its  stead  a  fun- 
gus takes  its  place.  Difficult  to  keep  down  level  with 
the  remaining  portion  of  the  sole.  And  not  only  that 
have  we  to  change  this  disposition  in  the  foot  to  throw 
out  this  material,  but  induce  this  material  to  secrete  or 
produce  a  new  sole.  This  is  the  difficulty  to  be  experi- 
enced in  the  treatment  of  this  affection.  Nevertheless, 
cases,  and  very  hard  ones,  too,  have  been  cured,  but  not 
in  a  day,  nor  a  week,  but  months. 

Causes. — Injuries  to  the  sensitive  sole  by  nails,  bruises, 
and  other  accidents,  as  a  piece  of  the  sole  being  torn  ofi*. 

Treatment. — Removal  of  any  diseased  or  dead  sole, 
and  the  proud  flesh.  For  this  purpose,  the  knife  will 
have  to  be  used  to  remove  the  dead  sole,  and,  if  it  be  in 


74  DISEASES   OF   THE    HORSE. 

the  hands  of  an  energetic  person,  the  most  of  the  fungus 
or  proud  flesh  can  be  taken  oiF  in  the  same  manner.  If 
not,  get  caustic  potash,  and  quickly  reduce  it  to  a 
coarse  powder,  as  it  soon  dissolves  on  exposure  to  the 
air.  Lay  it  upon  the  raw  surface.  This  apply  next 
day,  if  the  first  application  has  not  removed  sufficient  or 
all  of  it.  After  the  proud  flesh  has  been  entirely  taken 
off",  and  level  with  the  sole  proper,  dress  every  day  with 
Barbadoes  tar,  one  pound ;  sulphuric  acid,  three  drachms ; 
powdered  sulphate  of  copper,  half  an  ounce.  Mix  well, 
and  spread  a  portion  over  the  sore  foot,  and  over  this 
dressing,  a  pad  of  tow  or  cotton,  held  firmly  down  on  the 
padding,  so  as  to  produce  pressure,  an  important  matter 
in  the  treatment  of  canker  in  the  foot.  This  can  be  se- 
cured by  thin  pieces  of  splint  from  young  wood,  being 
placed  across  one  another  over  the  pad,  and  the  ends 
pushed  in  between  the  foot  and  the  shoe.  By  this 
means,  and  a  little  patience,  and  a  little  ingenuity  in 
fixing  and  applying  these  pads,  etc.,  even  very  bad  cases 
can  be  cured. 

(2.)  Contraction. — This  is  not  so  much  a  disease  as 
it  is  of  bad  management  in  the  stable  and  in  the  black- 
smith's shop.  Contraction  may  be  said  to  be  an  altera- 
tion of  the  shape  and  structure  of  the  posterior,  or  back 
portion  of  the  hoof — a  winding  in  of  the  heels. 

Causes. — Want  of  proper  knowledge  on  the  part  of 
the  owner  or  horse  shoer  in  not  knowing  the  difi'erence 
between  the  foot  that  would  require  a  piece  added  to  it 
at  each  shoeing,  and  the  one  that  requires  a  large  por- 
tion taken  from  it,  so  as  to  insure  elasticity  and  expan- 
sion. A  foot  strong  and  inelastic,  and  unyielding  to 
the  weight  of  the  animal,  is  the  very  first  foot  to  become 
contracted.     I  know  flat,  weak-footed  horses  travelling 


FOOT   DISEASES.  75 

sound  for  ten  or  fifteen  years  without  in  the  least  being 
contracted.  So  long  as  we  have  strong  hoofed  horses, 
and  shod  with  an  inflexible  iron  ring  to  prevent  its  wear 
and  tear,  and  the  blacksmith  neglecting  to  have  taken  off 
of  each  hoof  at  the  shoeing  as  much  horn  as  the  horse 
would  have  worn,  if  he  had  been  in  the  natural  state  and 
not  shod. 

Treatment, — Cut  down  the  hoof  and  shorten  the  toe, 
and  make  the  hard  and  inelastic  foot  one  that  will  ex- 
pand at  its  heels  every  time  the  weight  of  the  animal 
puts  his  foot  to  the  ground. 

One  sided  nailing  is  an  excellent  preventative  as  well 
as  an  assistant  in  the  cure  of  contracted  feet.  What  is 
meant  by  one  sided  nailing  is,  that  nails  are  to  be  con- 
fined to  the  outside  toe  of  the  foot,  so  as  to  allow  free 
expansion  for  the  heels.  This  cannot  be  done  with  the 
shoe  being  nailed  on  by  nails  placed  at  each  side.  To 
illustrate  this  point,  place  a  small  horse  shoe  flat  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand  with  the  fingers  close  to  one  another ; 
then  tie  with  a  piece  of  cord,  the  little  finger  to  one  side 
of  the  shoe,  and  the  thumb  to  the  other  side;  then  you 
will  realize  to  what  extent  you  can  expand  the  fingers  so 
secured.  So  it  is  just  with  the  foot  of  a  horse  with  the 
shoe  nailed  on  at  each  side.  Remove  the  cord  from  one 
finger,  and  the  whole  hand  is  free  to  expand.  So  like- 
wise the  foot  of  the  horse  by  one  sided  nailing. 

(3.)  Corns.— This  is  a  red  spot  on  the  inner  portion 
of  the  heel  of  the  foot,  causing  lameness,  and  consists  of 
a  bruise  from  the  shoe  pressing  upon  the  part,  the  shoes 
having  shifted  from  their  proper  position,  or  never 
having  been  placed  there.  In  general,  the  production 
of  corns  may  be  laid  to  the  charge  of  the  horse-shoer, 
and  sometimes  to  the  owner  allowing  the  horse  to  go  too 


<  b  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

long  before  the  shoes  are  removed,  or  before  the  foot  has 
grown  from  the  shoes.  Corn  is  an  anajogical  term,  al- 
though bearing  no  resemblance  to  that  well  known  affec- 
tion of  the  feet  of  man. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  corns  by  cutting  them  out; 
then  apply  a  few  drops  of  commercial  sulphuric  acid  to 
the  part.  Shoe  the  horse  sufficiently  often  to  insure 
even  bearing  to  the  shoe  upon  the  wall  only  of  the  foot. 

(4.)  False  Quarter. — This  is  a  term  applied  to  the 
horn  or  portion  of  the  hoof,  which  overlaps  or  bulges 
out  a  little  from  the  line  of  the  sound  portion  of  the  hoof. 

Causes. — An  injury  to  the  coronet  or  ligament,  which 
secretes,  or  from  which  the  hoof  grows.  This  causes  an 
alteration  of  the  horn  of  the  hoof  below,  and  correspond- 
ing to  the  extent  of  the  injury. 

Treatment. — As  there  w^ill  be  an  enlargement,  more 
or  less,  remaining  after  an  injury  to  the  coronet,  little 
will  be  required  to  be  done,  but  to  keep  the  horn  as  level 
with  the  hoof  proper  as  possible  in  order  to  make  it  look 
less  of  an  eye-sore. 

(5.)  Inflammation  of  the  Foot. — (See  Founder.) 

Pricks. — Pricks  may  occur  in  the  act  of  shoeing,  or 
from  a  nail  being  picked  up  on  the  street,  and  from 
other  hard-pointed  substances. 

Treatment. — Pull  the  nail  out,  and  poultice  the  foot 
for  twenty-four  hours ;  then  make  an  opening  through 
the  horn  over  the  place  where  the  nail  went  in,  so  as  to 
allow  the  pus  to  escape.  For,  if  this  be  not  done,  and 
the  pus  is  left  in  the  foot,  it  will  in  a  few  days,  and  at  a 
great  expense  of  suffering  to  the  horse,  break  out  be- 
tween the  hoof  and  the  hair,  constituting  quittor.  After 
an  opening  has  been  properly  made,  drop  five  drops  of 


FOOT   DISEASES.  77 

muriatic  acid  into  the  hole  once  a  day,  for  a  day  or  two. 
Poultice  every  second  night  or  day,  and  not  oftener.  A 
healthy  hoof  can  be  poulticed  off  by  constant  application. 
The  horse  can  go  to  work  as  soon  as  he  can  step  on 
the  ground  firmly  and  without  lameness.  Eemcmber 
that  in  all  cases  of  pricks  and  other  injuries  which  end 
in  suppuration  as  pus  in  the  foot 
of  a  horse,  making  a  thorough 
opening  so  as  to  allow  the  pus 
to  escape,  and  no  more  trouble 
need  he  apprehend,  except  the 
nail  has  entered  into  one  of  the 
tendons  of  the  foot,  in  that  case 
no  pus  will  be  usually  formed, 
the  majority  of  cases  ending  in  ^oo*  Lancet. 

locked-jaw,  (which  see).  Where  pus  is  formed  after 
pricking,  no  locked-jaw  follows,  it  is  in  those  cases  only 
where  pus  is  not  formed  that  locked-jaw  may  be 
expected. 

6.  Bruises  of  the  Foot. — (Treat  as  for  prick  in  foot). 

7.  Sand  or  Quarter  Crack. — This  is  a  crack  or  split 
in  the  hoof,  usually  on  the  inner  side  of  the  fore  foot, 
althougli  splits  and  cracks  occur  in  all  places,  and  in  both 
fore  and  hind  feet. 

Causes. — A  brittle  condition  of  the  hoof,  from  the 
want  of  sufficient  moisture.  In  some  cases  the  horse  does 
not  stand  square  upon  his  fore  feet  and  thereby  causing 
undue  weight  to  fall  upon  one  of  the  sides  of  the  hoof 
and  causes  it  to  crack. 

Prevention. — Apply  to  brittle  feet  equal  portions  of 
the  oil  of  tar,  and  cod  liver  oil,  whale  oil,  or  any  fish 
oil  well  rubbed  in  with  a  brush  to  the  hoofs  a  few  times  a 
week,  and  occasionally   applying  wet  cloths  to  the  feet 


78  DISEASES    OF   THE   HjORSE. 

in  the  summer  season.     In  winter  the  feet  are  better  sup- 
plied with  moisture. 

Treatment. — Rasp  the  edges  of  the  crack  thin,  the 
nearer  the  crack  the  thinner  the  horn  should  be  made, 
this  can  be  filled  up  with  shoemakers  wax.  After  the 
horn  has  been  properly  thinned  a  piece  of  the  wall  of 
the  hoof  for  about  half  an  inch  on  each  side  of  the  crack 
is  to  be  cut  out  to  prevent  any  bearing  of  the  shoe  upon 
it,  thereby  preventing  the  constant  opening,  shutting, 
and  sometimes  bleeding  from  the  crack.  To  prevent  or 
rather  to  cause  the  new  horn  to  grow  down  whole  and 
without  a  crack  in  it,  a  piece  of  iron  is  to  be  placed  in 
the  fire  and  made  red  hot,  and  applying  this  just  for  a 
moment  flat  on  the  hair  at  the  head  of  the  crack  sufii- 
cient  to  make  a  scab.  This  will  insure  a  solid  growth  of 
horn.  Promote  the  growth  of  the  horn  as  speedily  as 
possible,  to  facilitate  the  cure,  a  strap  is  used  by  some 
round  the  hoof  to  prevent  opening  of  the  crack. 

8.  Navicular  Disease. — This  is  a  disease  of  a  bone 
in  the  foot  of  the  horse,  a  serious  disease  and  often  very 
obscure  in  its  symptoms,  altogether  depending  as  to  the 
advanced  condition  of  the  disease,  happily  however  it  is 
scarcely  met  with  and  then  only  in  the  common  hack 
horse.  It  consists  of  ulceration  of  various  degrees  ;  on 
the  surface  of  the  navicular  bone  within  the  foot. 

Causes. — Hard  and  constant  work  upon  the  stone  or 
streets  paved  with  stones.  Slight  inflammation  neglected 
and  the  horse  not  laid  up  until  it  gets  well,  and  the  in- 
flammation increases,  until  it  ends  in  ulceration  of  the 
bone. 

Symptom. — Obscure,  or  at  least  very  like  many  of  the 
symptoms  similar  to  other  diseases  of  the  feet  and  legs. 
It  is  chiefly  determined  by  the  undue  heat  in  the  foot,  and 


FOOT   DISEASES.  79 

by  the  fact  that  no  diseases  can  be  detected  elsewhere  or 
of  a  different  kind.  In  lameness  of  other  portion,  not 
in  the  foot  we  have  heat  and  sivelling — the  hoof  or  foot 
of  the  horse  cannot  swell.  It  is  a  box  and  we  cannot  see 
into  it  to  examine  its  contents  and  condition. 

Treatment. — Incurable,  although  much  can  be  done 
to  relieve  the  pain,  by  the  application  of  moisture 
poultices,  and  occasionally  placing  the  hoof  in  warm 
water  to  soften  and  relieve  pressure.  Some  have  recom- 
mended a  blister  round  the  coronet.  I  cannot  see  in 
what  scientific,  or  other  grounds  it  will  do  good.  In 
well  established  cases,  and  in  good  strong  feet  the  divi- 
sion of  the  nerves  which  run  down  on  each  side  of  the 
leg  and  into  the  foot,  will  relieve  the  pain  and  the  horse 
will  go  well  for  years.  But  unfortunately  many  cases 
so  operated  upon  have  lost  their  hoofs  by  falling  off 
which  has  been  unjustly  laid  or  blamed  to  the  operation. 
The  cause  of  this  is  not  so  much  from  the  operation  as 
from  the  operator  having  no  judgement  in  the  kind  of 
hoof,  the  operation  would  be  or  not  be  successful.  It 
would  be  obviously  improper  to  recommend  the  opera- 
tion upon  a  flat  footed  horse,  as  the  animal  deprived  of 
pain  would  let  his  thin  soled  foot  come  down  to  the 
ground  with  great  force  and  weight,  thus  injuring  the 
whole  structure  to  such  an  extent,  that  suppuration  would 
take  place  and  ultimately  the  sloughing  and  falling  off 
of  the  hoof. 

9.  Seedy  Toe. — This  is  a  name  given  to  a  split  in  the 
centre  of  either  fore  or  hind  foot,  extending  a  little  way 
up  from  the  point,  or  it  may  be  up  to  the  hair  itself. 

Causes. — The  same  as  those  producing  sand-crack, 
(which  see). 

Treatment. — In  bad  cases  a  clasp  or   plate   of   iron 


80  DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 

secured  by  short  screws.  In  simple  crack  or  split  from 
the  toe  upwards,  cut  off  all  communication  of  the 
sound  parts  with  the  cracked  or  split  portion.  For  this 
purpose  a  three  edged  file  will  be  a  good  instrument  for 
making  the  division.  At  each  shoeing  the  split  portion 
will  gradually  become  less  or  shorter. 

10.  Pumiced  Sole. — This  name  is  used  or  applied  to 
a  sole  of  a  foot,  which  is  convex  instead  of  concave, 
that  is  instead  of  the  nice  cuped  foot,  the  bottom  of  the 
saucer  is  presented. 

Causes. — The  result  of  bad  or  severe  causes  of  founder, 
where  the  coffin  bone  is  let  down  upon  the  sole,  and 
causes  its  descent  or  convexity. 

Treatment. — This  is  merely  palliative  and  this  is  to  be 
done  entirely  by  placing  a  shoe  upon  the  foot,  that  will 
insure  and  protect  the  sole  from  the  ground. 

11.  Thrush. — A  diseased  condition  of  the  sensitive 
frog  of  the  foot,  and  from  which  a  stinking  fluid  is  dis- 
charged, which  is  familiar  to  every  body  who  is  among 
horses. 

Causes. — Too  much  moisture  to  the  foot,  as  from  ani- 
mals standing  in  their  own  excretia,  or  from  wet  stabling, 
the  frog  becomes  perverted,  and  deteriorated,  and  se- 
cretes, or  discharges  a  blackish  color,  and  otherwise  nasty 
fluid.     It  sometimes  accompanies  navicular  disease. 

Prevention. — Dry  stabling,  a  stall  having  sufficient  in- 
clination or  drainage  to  carry  of  the  fluids.  Cleaning 
the  stables  regularly. 

Treatment. — A  few  drops  of  muriatic  acid  forced 
into  the  centre  of  the  frog  once  a  day,  for  a  few  days. 
Keep  the  stable  and  stalls  dry  and  clean.  A  few  doses 
of  the  sulphite  of  soda  in  half  ounce  doses,  once  a  day. 


FOOT   DISEASES.  81 

for  a  few  days,  will  do  good  by  its  alterative  and  puri- 
tive  effects  upon  the  system. 

QuiTTOR  IN  THE  FooT. — This  is  a  serious  and  painful 
disease  of  the  foot,  of  the  same  nature  as  poll-evil  and 
fistula  in  the  shoulder,  it  is  known  by  a  large  swelling 
around  or  above  the  hoof,  or  where  the  hair  joins  the 
hoof,  which  soon  breaks  and  discharges  pus. 

Symptoms. — Horse  off  his  feed.  Considerable  ex- 
citement and  fever.  Holding  the  foot  off  the  ground, 
and  very  painful.  A  swelling  soon  shows  itself  at  the 
coronet,  and  in  a  few  days  breaks  and  discharges  pus. 
After  this  the  horse  will  resume  his  feed,  but  will  not 
make  very  free  with  his  foot,  which  will  be  better  to-day 
and  worse  the  next  day,  depending  upon  the  discharge 
of  pus  from  the  foot. 

Causes. — A  prick  from  a  nail,  a  bruise  on  the  sole,  a 
suppurating  corn,  or  sometimes  from  a  sand  crack  taking 
on  suppurative  action. 

Treatment. — The  great  secret  of  the  treatment  of  this 
disease,  is  to  make  a  free  opening  from  the  bottom  of  the 
foot.  When  this  is  done  at  once,  you  will  be  greatly  sur- 
prised to  see  the  swelling  go  away  as  quickly  as  it  made 
its  appearance,  and  if  the  swelling  has  broken,  it  will 
soon  cease  to  discharge  when  the  opening  is  made  from 
below,  or  at  the  bottom  of  the  foot.  Having  effected 
this  purpose  of  an  opening,  get  a  small  syringe  and  in- 
ject into  the  opening  above,  if  there  be  any,  and  if  not; 
from  the  opening  below,  a  mixture  of  the  sulphate  of 
zinc,  two  ounces ;  rain  water,  eight  ounces,  once  in  the 
day.  If  the  shoe  has  been  taken  off  for  the  purpose  of 
making  the  opening,  have  it  put  on  again  so  as  to  hold 
some  soft  stopping  in  the  sole  to  keep  it  soft.  Cow  dung  is 
as  good  if  not  better  for  this  purpose,  than  the  best  of 


82  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

costly  flax  seed.  Never  in  cases  of  this  disease,  apply 
poultices  around  the  whole  of  the  hoof,  as  in  that  case 
the  hoof  may  fall  off.  Healthy  hoofs  can  be  poulticed 
off.  Whatever  poultice,  it  must  be  applied  to  the  sole. 
If  no  opening  has  been  made  from  below,  drop  10  drops 
of  muriatic  acid  into  the  opening  above,  once  in  the  day 
for  a  few  days.     This  will  destroy  the  disease. 

Founder. 

(1.)  Acute  Founder. — Every  school-boy  is  familiar 
with  the  name  of  founder  when  applied  to  a  lame  horse, 
but  few  horsemen  ever  comprehend  the  nature  and  seat 
of  this  affection.  Founder  in  all  its  forms  is  inflammation 
of  the  laminse  or  leaves,  which  dovetail  into  each  other, 
and  bind  the  sensible  and  insensible  portions  of  the  foot 
together.  Hence,  it  is  called  by  some  learned  persons 
in  diseases  of  horses  laminitis,  by  adding  the  Greek 
word  itis.  Founder  is  again  called  by  some  persons 
fever  in  the  feet.  However,  as  to  names,  the  disease  is 
of  often  occurrence,  and  when  left  to  itself,  it  destroys 
many  good  horses  by  leaving  them  ever  afterward  sore 
and  tender  mfront^  as  the  horsemen  have  it. 

Syiwptoms. — The  horse  will  scarcely  move ;  stands  upon 
his  heels,  with  fore  feet  and  legs  stretched  out  as  far  as  he 
can  get  to  throw  the  weight  off  them.  Thus,  to  all  ap- 
pearance*, making  the  animal  hollow  in  the  breast,  which 
appearance  has  given  rise  to  the  idea  that  the  horse  is 
chest  foundered.  The  hind  legs  are  brought  far  in  un- 
der the  belly.  The  head  of  the  horse  is  erect  and  high. 
Fever  and  constitutional  disturbance  are  very  great. 
The  horse  is  extremely  excitable,  and  breathing  fast  and 
laborious-  Altogether,  the  poor  suffering  horse  is  the 
very  picture  of  distress  and  disease. 


FOUNDER.  83 

Cause. — rGiving  cold  water  when  overheated,  and  tired 
from  overwork.  A  tendency  in  the  feet  to  take  on  in- 
flammatory action.  The  animal  not  in  proper  health  or 
condition  for  performing  heavy  or  fast  work. 

Treatment. — Place  the  horse  in  a  wide  and  airy  stall, 
with  plenty  of  good  straw  for  bedding  to  encourage  the 
horse  to  lie  down,  which  will  relieve  him  very  much. 
Indeed,  so  much  is  this  the  case,  that  it  has  been  recom- 
mended that  every  foundered  horse  should  be  forcibly 
thrown  and  kept  down,  till  the  active  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease has  passed  off.  This,  however,  I  do  not  advise,  as 
the  horse  is  excited  enough  without  increasing  it  by 
throwing  him  from  his  feet.  Rather  give  good  bedding, 
and  the  majority  of  horses  so  affected  will  be  ready  and 
willing  to  lie  down  of  their  own  accord.  After  the  place 
is  all  fixed,  and  the  horse  moved  into  it,  give  him  twenty 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root  in  a  cupful  of  cold 
water  poured  into  the  mouth  with  a  bottle  having  a 
strong  neck.  Repeat  the  dose  every  four  hours,  till  six 
to  eight  doses  have  been  given.  Apply  cold  ice  water 
cloths  to  the  feet.  In  a  few  hours,  possibly,  the  shoes 
can  be  taken  off.  At  first,  this  generally  canfeot  be 
done,  except  the  animal  is  down.  Care  should  be  taken 
in  retoioving  the  shoes,  so  that  every  nail  is  made  loose 
before  an  attempt  is  made  to  pull  off  the  shoes.  Have 
as  little  hammering  on  the  foot  as  possible,  as  it  will 
shake  the  great  and  over-sensitive  frame.  Let  the  cold 
water  be  kept  constant  for  the  first  day,  or  until  the 
active  pain  gives  way.  At  leisure,  the  feet  can  be  pared 
thin  on  the  soles,  so  they  will  yield  to  pressure  with  the 
fingers.  By  gating  the  animal  to  lie  down  as  soon  as 
possible  after  he  gets  in,  the  cold  water  cloths  applied, 
and  the  aconite  given,  the  animal  in  a  day  or  two  may 


84  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

be  nothing  the  worse  from  the  attack.  The  longer  the 
animal  remains  before  these  remedies  are  applied,  the  less 
likely  is  he  to  be  free  from  its  effects  afterwards.  Before 
the  horse  is  again  put  to  work,  be  assured  he  has  quite 
recovered.  During  the  treatment,  give  plenty  of  cold 
water  to  drink.  Never  give  tepid  water  to  a  horse  while 
he  is  sick  from  disease.  Give  grass  or  soft  mashes  for  a 
day  or  two,  but  do  not  keep  a  sick  horse  too  long  on  low 
feed,  as  debility  and  swelling  of  the  legs  and  various  por- 
tions of  the  body  will  take  place. 

Remember. — Do  not  bleed,  neither  from  the  neck,  nor 
foot,  nor  from  any  place  else  in  a  disease  of  this  kind. 

(2.  Chronic  Founder. — Symptoms,  Cause  and  Treat- 
7nent  will  be  much  the  same,  only  it  will  not  be  necessary 
to  push  the  treatment  so  far.  Principally  depend  upon 
softening  the  horn  of  the  feet,  paring  the  soles  of  the 
feet,  and  a  few  days'  rest.  The  horse,  for  a  week  or 
two  afterwards,  should  be  placed  in  a  stall  having  six 
inches  of  sawdust  spread  over  it,  and  kept  a  little  moist 
with  water  poured  over  it  once  in  a  day.  When  horses 
are  recovering  from  acute  founder,  they  also  might  be 
placed  in  a  stall  so  prepared.  Clay  stalls  are  objection- 
able. 

Fractures. 

Fractures, — This  term  signifies  a  broken  bone.  Frac- 
tures are  the  result  of  great  force  applied  to  the  bone,  as 
from  kicks,  falls,  and  accidents. 

Fractures  occur  in  three  forms. 

(1.)  The  simple  fracture  or  break,  either  oblique,  or 
slanting,  or  straight  across  the  bone. 

(2.)  The  compound  fracture,  where  the  bones  are 
broken  in  several  places. 

(3.)  The  comminuted  fracture,  where  the  bones  are 


FRACTURES.  85 

broken  in  pieces,  and  the  ends  of  the  broken  bones  are 
seen  cutting  through  the  skin,  and,  possibly,  severing 
some  of  the  blood  vessels,  causing,  in  many  cases,  death 
from  loss  of  blood. 

The  first,  or  simple  fracture,  is  the  only  variety  that 
calls  for  much  notice,  as  the  other  forms  of  fracture, 
when  occurring  in  horses,  are  beyond  remedy.  Simple 
fracture  of  the  following  named  bones  may,  with  care,  be 
in  a  great  measure  cured,  and  the  animal  be  made  useful 
for  many  purposes.  As,  for  instance,  it  would  be  obvi- 
ously wrong  to  have  a  valuable  mare  destroyed,  because 
of  simple  fracture  of  one  of  many  bones,  as  she  would  be 
useful  for  breeding  purposes,  if  not  for  the  farm  or  the 
road. 

Fracture  of  the  bones  of  the  leg  any  where  from  the 
elbow  down,  except  it  may  be  the  knee  joint,  can  readily, 
with  a  little  care  and  attention,  be  secured  in  its  place, 
and  the  animal  be  made  useful.  So  also  the  hind  legs 
from  the  hock  down  to  the  foot.  Fracture  of  the  ribs 
usually  get  well  of  themselves,  because  they  are  always 
kept  in  place.  So  also  of  the  haunch  bone.  Indeed, 
simple  fracture  of  most  any  of  the  long  bones  will  unite 
of  their  own  accord,  if  the  bones  are  put  and  kept  in 
their  place  by  proper  fixings. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  fracture  of  the  long 
bones  of  the  legs  are  seen  at  once  by  the  looseness  of  the 
leg,  the  horse  not  having  the  power  to  move  it.  The  leg 
can  be  turned  in  any  direction.  The  horse  is  in  great 
pain,  excitement,  sweating,  etc.  If  there  are  bones 
pointing  through  the  skin,  the  horse  had  better  be  shot. 

Treatment. — Place  the  horse,  if  in  summer  season,  in 
the  field,  and  in  winter  in  the  barn-yard,  where  there  is 


86  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

not  too  much  straw  to  prevent  the  foot  being  carried 
without  interruption. 

Then  give  twenty-five  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite 
root  every  five  hours,  for  the  first  twenty-four  hours,  to 
relieve  pain,  excitement,  and  fever.  Take  hold  of  the 
broken  leg  carefully,  and  place  it  in  a  position  as  near 
like  the  other  leg  as  possible,  not  only  in  shape,  but  in 
actual  length  by  measurement,  for  it  is  the  neglect  of 
this  that  some  legs  are  left  shorter  and  some  longer  after 
fractures.  The  whole  position  of  the  leg  being  got  at, 
apply  a  good  coating  of  tar  to  the  leg,  around,  above, 
and  below  the  point  of  fracture.  Then  wrap  the  whole 
leg  in  oakum,  coarse  tow,  or  carded  cotton.  Over  this, 
place  broad  pieces  of  boards,  like  shingles,  on  the  sides 
and  front  of  the  leg,  and  fill  all  uneaveness  with  the  tow 
or  cotton,  so  the  splint  or  boards  will  lay  flat  on  the  leg. 
Secure  the  whole  by  careful  tieing  wdth  broad  strings  or 
soft  cords.  The  great  secret  in  the  successful  treatment 
of  simple  fractures  of  the  bones  of  the  legs,  is  the  fixing 
of  the  leg,  so  it  cannot  move  until  they  have  united. 
Feed  the  horse  well,  and  see  every  day  that  the  splints 
on  the  legs  are  not  loose.  Never  sling  a  horse  from  his 
feet  in  cases  of  fracture,  for  it  will  be  regretted.  If  the 
horse  is  to  be  kept  in  a  stall,  make  a  hole  in  the  floor  of 
the  stall  underneath  the  foot  of  the  broken  leg,  so  that 
he  can  stand  with  the  leg  at  full  length.  Bear  in  mind, 
no  horse  will  put  his  foot  to  the  ground  till  he  is  able  to 
do  so ;  therefore,  leave  every  thing  to  the  broken-legged, 
except  the  matter  of  securing  the  broken  bones  in  their 
place.  And  by  giving  him  his  feed,  he  may  be  safely 
left  to  himself,  and  nature  will  do  the  rest  for  him. 

Fracture  of  the  Hip  or  Pelvis. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  is  extremely  down  in  one  of 


FRACTURES.  87 

the  hips,  and  a  peculiar  loose  motion  of  the  hind  leg  al- 
most giving  way  every  step  the  horse  makes.  There  are 
no  diseases  this  can  be  mistaken  for  in  the  hind  leg  or 
hip.  This  fracture  is  produced  in  a  moment,  and  even 
whilst  the  horse  is  trotting,  he  will  stop  all  at  once  as  if 
he  was  shot.  Fracture  of  the  hip,  I  say  hip,  so  as  the 
unprofessional  reader  will  better  understand,  but  it  is 
the  bone  of  the  pelvis.  The  mere  name  will  not  amount 
to  much,  for  the  treatment  is,  let  it  alone,  and  it  will  get 
well  in  three  months  of  itself  without  any  interference 
from  medicine  or  art.  Turn  the  horse  out  for  a  few 
months,  either  in  pasture  or  in  the  barn-yard,  and  give 
him  plenty  to  eat. 

Fracture  of  the  ribs  will  require  no  treatment,  except 
it  may  be  a  few  days'  rest.  Sometimes  a  swelling  will 
be  seen  on  the  side  of  a  horse  having  a  broken  rib,  in  a 
few  days  after  the  accident.  It  may  form  an  abscess ;  if 
so,  have  it  opened  to  let  but  the  matter;  and  if  it  should 
not  become  soft  and  hold  matter,  let  it  alone,  as  it  will 
do  little  harm.  Or  the  application  for  a  few  times,  say 
once  a  week  for  three  weeks,  of  the  ointment  of  iodine. 
(See  Prescriptions  and  Medicines.) 

Fractures  of  the  simple  kind,  in  various  parts  of  the 
body,  take  place,  and  when  such  is  the  case,  and  they 
do  not  interfere  with  any  action  or  function  of  the  body, 
they  can  be  assisted  only  in  so  far  as  bandage  and  splint 
are  concerned,  so  as  to  secure  the  ends  in  proper  posi- 
tion. This  will  require  some  ingenuity,  and  cannot  be 
described,  as  a  bone  is  not  always  broken  at  one  place, 
nor  is  it  always  of  one  set  kind  of  break.  The  means 
will  on  these  occasions  have  to  meet  the  ends  required  of 
them  in  the  best  way  possible.  Sometimes  pieces  of 
broken  bone  will  have  to  be  taken  out,  where  the  bone 


OS  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

• 

has  become  detached.  If  this  occur  in  the  bones  of  the 
leg,  of  course  the  horse  had  better  be  shot.  Where 
small  pieces  of  bone  become  loose,  it  is  usually  in  some 
of  the  flat  bones,  as  of  the  shoulder  blade  and  the  lower 
jaw  bone  from  kicks  from  other  horses. 

Fractures  of  the  teeth  take  place  often,  and  where 
they  are  very  loose  in  the  head,  they  had  better  be  taken 
out  altogether,  and  rasp  the  sharp  points  of  the  broken 
ones  with  a  file  or  rasp,  to  prevent  cutting  the  mouth 
when  the  horse  is  chewing. 

Gangrene. — This  is  a  name  applied  to,  or  is  synony- 
mous with  mortification  or  death  of  a  part  characterized 
by  a  livid  or  black  color.  Gangrene  is  attended  or  is 
ushered  in  by  a  sudden  giving  way  of  pain,  which  has 
after  been  mistaken  for  recovery.  When  gangrene  of 
an  outward  or  external  part  takes  place,  a  change  in  the 
condition  of  the  parts  assumes  a  difi*erent  aspect,  the 
swelling  subside,  and  touching  the  parts  a  crackling 
sound  is  produced,  owing  to  the  evolution  of  gas  in  the 
parts. 

Gastritis  Mucosa. — This  is  a  new  name  to  many 
persons,  even  well  informed  in  diseases  of  horses,  not- 
withstanding it  is  a  very  common  one  in  the  spring  of  the 
year,  assuming  always  an  epizootic  form,  and  is  closely 
allied  to  the  epizootic  catarrh,  sometimes  called  typhoid 
influenza,  (See  Influenza.)  The  chief  difi'erence  in  the 
symptoms  between  the  two  diseases,  being  the  absence  of 
a  cough,  which  is  always  observed  in  influenza.  The 
one  disease  attacking  the  lining  membrane  of  the  wind- 
pipe, and  in  gastritis  mucous,  the  mucous  membrane  of 
the  stomach  and  bowels,  or  in  other  wor^s,  the  digestive 
organs,  more  than  the  respiratory.     Gastritis  Mucosa  is 


GANGRENE.  89 

a  fatal  disease,  if  treated  by  low  diet,  bleeding,  blister- 
ing and  physicking,  because  it  always  assumes  a  low 
standard  of  vitality,  or  great  weakness.  Hence  the 
horse  so  affected,  and  so  treated,  has  no  chance  for  his 
life,  whatever. 

Symptoms. — As  before  stated,  the  horse  has  no  cough 
and  the  breathing  not  disturbed.  The  breath  and  mouth, 
is  not  hot  nor  dry,  but  often  the  mouth  is  slimy,  and  to 
such  an  extent  is  this  sometimes,  it  looks  as  if  the  horse 
was  salivated.  The  legs  soon  swell,  or  become  rounded,  or 
filled  as  they  are  often  called.  The  swellings  are  not  in- 
flammatory, nor  painful — they  contain  lymph,  or  plastic 
matter  from  the  blood,  which  disappear  as  they  came, 
when  the  strength  of  the  horse  gets  up  again,  and  the 
disease  subsides.  The  appetite  is  entirely  suspended, 
from  commencement  of  the  disease.  There  are  one  of 
the  many  symptoms,  which  is  never  absent  in  this  dis- 
ease, and  is  very  characteristic  of  its  name  and  seat,  and 
this  symptom  is  the  foeces  or  dung  is  small,  or  in  pellets, 
and  covered  with  slime,  and  portions  of  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  what  the  stable- 
man call  "very  feverish."  The  great  symptoms  of  this  dis- 
ease is  great  weakness,  and  this  is  the  case,  almost  from 
the  first  moment  of  the  attack. 

Causes. — The  cause  of  this  as  well  as  of  all  epizootic 
diseases,  are  involved  in  not  a  little  obscurity,  and  to  get 
out  of  this  state  of  ignorance,  and  uncertainty  as  to  the 
cause,  we  are  graciously  pleased  to  call  it  Atmospheric. 
This  atmospheric  influence,  may  be  either  electric,  a 
poison,  or  chemical  element,  capable  of  altering  or 
changing  the  various  parts  or  portions  of  the  body,  most 
exposed  to  its  subtle  influences.  However,  this  disease 
as  before  stated  is  a  disease  of  the  spring  of  the  year. 


90  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

and  commencing  as  the  hermetically  sealed  earth  begins 
to  open  its  pores,  to  the  rain  and  sunshine  of  spring. 
May  there  not  be  deleterious  emanations  from  the  earth, 
or  at  least  after  great  frost  or  snow,  is  there  not  during 
the  process  of  thawing  a  colder  air  or  gas  given  forth 
from  the  thawing  process,  than  the  animal  is  breathing, 
a  few  feet  higher  up  from  the  ground  ?  This  is  one  of 
the  points  entering  into  the  celebrated  controversy 
between  myself,  and  the  distinguished  Professor,  R.  E. 
Rogers,  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  on  the  salt 
and  slush  question,  a  few  years  ago,  whether  it  was,  or 
was  not  injurious  to  the  health  of  man  or  horse,  to 
sprinkle  salt  upon  the  track,  to  thaw  the  snow  from 
them.  If  my  argument  did  not  prevent  further  use  of 
the  salt  upon  the  track,  it  did  one  good,  by  making  it 
obligatory  for  the  railway  companies,  to  keep  all  gut- 
ters and  inlets  clear,  to  allow  the  slush  to  escape  at  once 
from  the  street.  So  I  think  it  is  clearly  established,  that 
the  cold  emanation  from  the  soil,  during  the  process  of 
thawing  or  breaking  up  of  winter,  are  great  and  exci- 
ting causes,  not  only  of  this  disease,  but  of  many  others 
in  both  man  and  beast,  and  which  have  hitherto  been 
called  atmospheric.  And  in  connection  with  this  con- 
dition, we  have  in  horses  at  least,  a  want  of  their  usual 
protection,  for  with  the  warm  sun  of  spring,  the  animal 
throws  of  his  hairy  coat,  thus  as  it  were  unnecessarily 
exposing  himself  to  these  insidious  causes  of  disease. 

Treatment. — When  cases  of  this  and  other  diseases  of 
the  same  type  (gastritis  mucosa)  first  came  under  my  care, 
I  treated  upon  different  principles  and  with  different  me- 
dicines than  what  is  here  recommended ;  I  look  back  with 
extreme  dissatisfaction  on  the  false  doctrines  and  false 
teachings  of  the  book  and  the  schools  which  have  led 


GLANDERS.  91 

many  inquiring  minds  astray  since  their  day  of  teaching 
commenced.  The  treatment  now  recommended  is  sound, 
scientific  and  successful,  and  in  a  very  short  time  the 
horse  will  be  at  work  again,  as  if  nothing  had  been  amiss. 
The  first  day  of  the  disease,  give,  every  4  hours,  20  drops 
of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root  in  a  little  cold  water  ;  next 
day,  give  the  tincture  of  nux  vomica  in  fifteen  drops  every 
four  hours  in  the  same  way,  till  the  horse  is  well,  which 
usually  will  be  about  the  sixth  or  seventh  day,  and  some- 
times even  sooner.  If,  however,  the  case  does  not  improve, 
and  the  appetite  not  good,  give  powdered  carbonate  of 
ammonia  and  gentian  root,  each  three  drachms,  to  a  dose 
morning,  noon  and  night,  in  addition  to  the  tincture  of 
nux  vomica.  These  medicines  will  have  to  be  mixed  with 
cold  water,  and  drench  the  horse  out  of  a  strong-necked 
bottle  or  ox's  horn  cut  slanting  at  the  mouth.  Keep  the 
ammonia  in  a  bottle  tightly  corked  till  it  is  used,  as-  it 
loses  its  strength  by  exposure  to  the  air.  Let  the  horse 
have  as  much  cold  water  to  drink  as  he  wants ;  and  for 
this  purpose  a  bucketfull  should  be  kept  before  him. 
Pure  air  and  good  ventilation  should  be  insured  to  all  sick 
horses.  Green,  or  soft  feed  should  be  given  from  the  first 
day  if  the  horse  will  eat  it.  Green  feed  all  the  time  of 
sickness  will  be  of  advantage,  but  oats  will  have  to  be 
given  in  addition,  to  support  the  strength  and  vital  powers 
of  the  system,  to  enable  them  to  throw  ofi"  the  efi'ects  of 
the  disease.  Such,  then,  is  the  manner  of  curing  a  di- 
sease which  has  destroyed  many  horses,  even  when  treated 
by  men  calling  themselves  veterinary  surgeons,  or  at  least 
horse  doctors.     (See  Influenza  and  Rheumatism.) 

Glanders. 
Glanders. — The  following  synopsis  of  a  lecture  deli- 


\)Z  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

vered  by  myself  and. published  in  the  Evening  Bulletin  of 
December  21st,  1865,  will  answer  for  the  history  and  na- 
ture of  the  disease  called  glanders.  The  treatment  will 
be  made  more  plain  for  non-professional  readers. 

Dr.  Robert  McClure,  Veterinary  surgeon,  delivered  a 
lecture  on  Tuesday  evening  at  the  Veterinary  College. 
His  subject  was  "  Glanders  in  Horses."     He  said:  Glan- 
ders is  a  disease  dating  from  the  time  of  Xenophon,  or 
four  hundred  years  before  Christ,  and  we  are  assured  by 
Hippocrates,  (ruler  of  the  horse)  that  confirmed  glanders 
was  incurable,  and  that  it  was  then  known  by  the  name 
Profluvium  Atticum.     Veterinary  surgeons  recognize  two 
varieties  of  Equinia  in  the  horse,  viz :  Equinia  mitts. 
Contracted  from  horses  with  greasy  heels  {Paronychia 
Eqiii  and  Equinia  Grlandulosa  a  dangerous  disease,  and 
readily  communicated  to  man.     Glanders  is  unknown  at 
the  tropics  and  at  the  poles,  and  is  not  seen  where  struma 
is  not  a  disease  of  the  people.     It  is  a  domestic  disease. 
The  assignable  causes  are  many ;  among  which  may  be 
enumerated  starvation,  filth  and  debilitating  diseases,  as 
strangles,  catarrh  and  lung-fever,  or,  indeed,  any  disease 
capable  of  generating  pus ;  and  this  pus  being  absorbed 
into  the  general  circulation,  thus  forming  a  ferment,  a 
Zumin,  or  a  leaven,  as  the  Bible  has  it,  within  the  blood, 
and  the  effort  of  nature,  to  get  rid  of  this  offending  mat- 
ter, is  seen  in  the  ulcerations  of  the  lining  membranes  of 
the  nose.     The  recent  experiments  of  Professor  Giovanni 
Polli,  of  Milan,  seems  to  corroborate  this  view,  as  he  has 
produced  glanders  and  other  Zymotic  diseases  in  seventy 
dogs,  by  injecting  into  their  blood  in  some  cases  fetid  bul- 
lock's blood,  pus,  and  glandered  products,  and  neutrali- 
zing the  ferment  so  set  up  by  the  administration  of  an 
alkaline  sulphite — a  new  intero  chemical  doctrine — on  the 


GLANDERS.  93 

the  same  principle  of  arresting  the  vinous  fermentation 
set  up  in  a  vessel  of  cider  bj  adding  to  it  a  preparation 
of  lime.  The  experiments  of  this  distinguished  profes- 
sor, enable  the  veterinary  surgeon  to  extend  his  useful- 
ness, and  the  domestic  physician  to  snatch  many  a  useful 
life  from  an  early  grave.  How  many  brave .  men  have 
stood  the  storm  of  battle  in  the  late  war — admitted  to  the 
hospital  with  perhaps  a  shattered  bone — amputation  is 
performed,  the  case  does  well  for  a  few  days.  The  kind- 
hearted  surgeon  sees  a  change  for  the  worse: — appetite 
gone,  the  rigor  and  chill  supervene  till  it  is  too  plainly 
seen  that  the  pus  from  the  stump  has  been  absorbed  into 
the  blood  of  the  unfortunate  man ;  fermentation  is  set  up, 
and  death  staring  him  in  the  face,  and  no  power  to  save. 
The  discovery  of  a  ferment  and  its  antidote  have  changed 
the  scene  from  death  to  that  of  life.  So,  likewise,  with 
the  veterinary  surgeon,  however  ignorant  and  slow  some 
of  them  are  to  see  and  understand,  it  will  be  enabled  to 
preserve  the  life  of  many  a  useful  animal  to  its  owner, 
thus  adding  very  materially  to  the  happiness  and  prospe- 
rity of  this  great  and  prosperous  people. 

Glanders  are  recognized  by  ulceration  of  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  nose,  or  the  formation  of  pustules,  and 
commonly  situated  in  the  septum  nasi;  these  pustules 
soon  ulcerate  and  discharge  pus  of  a  greenish  color,  ra- 
pidly drying  up  when  spread  over  the  nostrils,  and  sink- 
ing in  water,  owing,  as  is  supposed,  to  it  containing  no 
oil  or  pus  cells,  but  principally  albumen.  There  is  one 
phenomena  never  absent  in  this  disease,  and  that  is  the 
enlarged  gland  under  the  jaw;  hence,  the  common  name 
of  the  disease — glanders.  There  are,  said  the  Lecturer, 
many  wrong  ideas  entertained,  not  only  in  regard  to  the 
contagious  nature  of  the  disease,  but  also  in  regard  to  its 


94  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

incurability  and  even  fatality.  Glanders  is  no  more  con- 
tagious than  the  heavy,  stinking  discharge  from  the  nose 
of  some  horses  with  catarrh ;  as  the  pus  of  an  abscess  on 
the  nose  of  a  horse  with  a  cold,  when  introduced  into  the 
blood  of  healthy  animals  will  produce  a  ferment,  which 
explains  the  reason  why  horses  with  a  cold  terminates  in 
glanders,  because  of  the  absorption  of  the  pus.  This 
will  be  readily  understood,  when  it  is  said  the  horse  is 
running  or  bordering  on  glanders.  Horses  affected  with 
chronic  glanders  will  live  and  work  for  years,  which  fact, 
being  w^ell  known,  has  caused  dissatisfaction  with  local 
laws,  prohibiting  the  use  of  glandered  horses. 

Fresh  specimens  of  sections  of  the  lungs,  nose,  and 
other  portions  taken  from  a  glandered  animal,  w^ere 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Lecturer  for  the  purpose  of 
illustrating  to  the  audience,  showing  the  morbid  changes 
effected  by  the  disease.  At  the  close  of  the  lecture,  the 
doctor  showed  the  manner  of  generating  nascent  hydro- 
gen for  the  purpose  of  detecting  the  presence  of  the  al- 
kaline sulphite  in  the  secretions  of  horses  under  its 
effects  for  the  purpose  of  the  cure  of  glanders.  Before 
touching  upon  the  plan  of  treatment,  the  reader  is  re- 
ferred to  the  article  Farcy. 

Treatment. — The  proposition  of  restoration  in  a  dis- 
ease of  this  kind,  is  the  destruction  of  the  ferment,  the 
removal  of  its  products  or  effects,  and  the  improvement 
of  the  bad  habit  of  the  body  by  enriching  the  blood. 

To  remove  or  neutralize  the  ferment  or  poison,  give 
one-half  to  one  ounce  doses  of  the  sulphite  of  soda  at 
night,  in  cut  feed  for  several  weeks,  and  five  grains  of 
the  powdered  Spanish  fly  along  with  it,  which  will  act 
not  only  as  a  powerful  tonic,  but  as  an  agent  whereby 
the  product  of  the  disease  will  be  removed  from  the  body 


GLEET.  95 

of  the  animal  by  the  kidneys.  This  treatment  will  not 
interfere  with  the  other  medicine,  which  Is  powdered 
gentian  root,  three  drachms;  powdered  sulphate  of  cop- 
per, two  drachms.  Mix  these  articles,  and  give  the 
whole  for  a  dose,  and  give  one  dose  morning  and  mid- 
day. 

These  medicines  will  have  to  be  continued  for  a  long 
time,  not  only  to  cure  the  disease,  but  to  improve  the 
health.  The  horse  must  be  well  and  highly  fed,  and  re- 
moved from  other  horses  while  the  treatment  is  going  on. 
Change  the  feed  often,  so  as  to  get  all  the  elements  that 
the  blood  requires,  and  to  keep  up  the  appetite,  for  if  the 
appetite  fails,  no  cure  can  be  made. 

Rememher. — Glanders  associated  with  tubercles  of  the 
lungs,  cannot  be  cured,  and  it  then  partakes  rather  of 
the  nature  of  consumption  than  of  simple  glanders  with- 
out tubercles,  which  is  easily  cured. 

Glass  Eye. — (See  Eye  Diseases.) 

Gleet. — [Nasal.) — This  term  is  used  to  denote  a  thin, 
transparent  discharge  from  the  nose  in  cases  of  coryza, 
and  as  a  sequel  to  catarrh  and  cold  in  old  and  debilitated 
horses.  Whilst  there  are  no  ulcers  on  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  the  nose,  or  no  enlargement  of  gland  under 
the  jaw,  the  case  may  be  dismissed  as  simple  gleet,  which 
can  be  readily  cured  by  good  feeding  and  a  few  tonic 
powders,  such  as  powdered  sulphate  of  copper,  three 
ounces;  powdered  gentian  root,  four  ounces;  powdered 
Spanish  fly,  one  drachm.  ^  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve 
powders,  and  give  one  powder  once  in  the  twenty-four 
hours.  These  powders  will  last  two  weeks,  and  can  be 
renewed  if  necessary.  Give  the  powders  in  large  bulk 
or  cut  feed,  so  as  to  protect  the  coat  of  the  stomach  from 
the  effects  of  the  Spanish  fly. 


96  DISEASES   or   THE    HORSE. 

Granulation. — This  means  tlie  little  red  portions  of 
flesh,  which  grow  in  and  fill  up  holes  made  by  wounds. 
Sometimes  these  grow  too  fast;  then  thej  are  unhealthy, 
being  soft,  and  grow  beyond  the  edges  of  the  wound. 
To  prevent  this,  sprinkle  a  little  powdered  bluestone,  or 
a  little  sulphate  of  zinc,  and  the  wound  will  soon  heal 
level  with  the  surroundinoj  surface. 

Gravel  in  the  Foot. — This  name  conveys  an  im- 
pression that  sand  or  gravel  has  got  into  the  foot,  which 
is  often  the  case  from  cracks  or  other  openings  in  the 
foot,  whether  from  above  or  below.  Wash  out  the  sand, 
if  possible;  if  not,  remove  some  of  the  horn,  and  wash  out 
well,  and  fill  up  the  hole  by  shoemaker's  wax  applied 
hot,  and  smoothed  over  by  the  hand  previously  wet,  so 
the  warm  wax  will  not  stick  to  it.  If  the  opening  be  in 
the  sole,  shoe  with  leather  soles,  tar  and  cotton,  until 
the  hole  has  grown  out  or  closed  up. 

(1.)  Grease. — This  is  a  disease  of  the  heels  and  legs  of 
horses,  characterized  by  an  unsightly  condition  of  these 
parts.  The  whole  being  the  result  of  suppurative  inflam- 
matory action  of  the  skin  and  heels  of  the  hind  legs, 
usually,  but  sometimes  of  the  foA  ones,  is  more  com- 
mon in  coarse-bred  western  horses,  and  of  heavy  breeds, 
than  in  well  or  fine  bred  horses. 

Caicse. — Sudden  changes  of  the  temperature  of  the 
earth,  whether  from  heat  to  cold,  or  from  wet  to  dry. 
This  disease  always  follow  sloppy  or  wet  streets,  stables 
or  lands,  producing  a  relaxed  condition  of  the  parts  from 
too  much  moisture. 

Treatment. — Keep  the  legs  clean  and  dry,  and  apjly 
a  mixture  to  the  heels  twice  in  the  twenty  four  hours. 
Water,  one  pint ;  Sulphuric  acid,  two  drachms ;  Corro- 


GREASE.  97 

sive  chloride  of  mercury,  one  drachm.  Mix,  and  shake  up 
before  using.  Many  cases  are  readily  cured,  by  simply 
keeping  the  heels  clean,  and  anointing  with  glycerine, 
or  lard,  having  no  salt  in  it.  It  must  be  confessed  by 
every  body,  who  has  had  any  experience  at  all  in  the 
treatment  of  this  disease, — that  it  is  very  uncertain  of 
an  early  cure ;  some  cases  will  be  cured  in  a  short 
time,  and  in  others  it  would  seem  that  the  discharge  would 
never  dry  up  and  be  healed.  For  cases  that  prove 
obstinate,  the  following  plan  will  effect  a  cure,  when 
other  vaunted  remedies  have  failed :  Take  one  box  of 
concentrated  lye,  and  dissolve  it' in  two  quarts  of  water, 
and  bottle  up  for  use  when  wanted,  in  the  following 
way  :  Pour  a  wine-glass  full  of  the  solution  of  lye,  into 
a  small  half  bucket  of  cold  water,  and  wash  and  bathe 
the  heels  and  legs  for  half  an  hour,  morning  and  night. 
A  great  change  for  the  better  will  be  seen  in  a  day  or 
two.  This  wash  seems  to  have  the  power  of  relaxing 
and  softening  the  skin,  and  at  the  same  time  causes  the 
legs  to  sweat  greatly.  Dry  them  as  often  after  the 
bathing  as  you  like,  there  will  pour  out  great  quantities 
of  moisture  from  the  skin  as  soon  as  you  have  done. 

(2.)  Grease  Shot  of.— This  is  a  different  disease  from 
the  one  bescribed,  from  the  fact  that  it  attacks  only  one 
leg,  and  that  one  of  the  hind  ones,  and  comes  on  in  a 
night,  without  any  preceeding  symptoms  whatever,  and 
hence  it  is  called  a  shot  of  grease.  There  is  no  cracking 
of  the  skin  of  the  heels  or  legs,  but  it  remains  whole  and 
unbroken. 

Cause.— Rohust  stamina,  or  too  fat  and  full  of  flesh, 

and  to  get  rid  of  this  superfluity,  plastic  lymph  is  thrown 

into  one  of  the  hind  legs,  which  causes  swelling  of  the  leg 

to  an  enormous  size.     If  this  material  were  thrown  from 

7 


98  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

the  blood  into  one  of  the  fore  legs,  where  the  nearness 
to  the  heart  increases  the  activity  of  the  capillary  cir- 
culation, matter  would  not  remain  as  it  does  in  the  hind 
legs,  which  are  so  far  from  the  centre  of  circulation. 
This  disease  is  not  unlike  the  phlegmassia  dolens  or  as 
milk  leg  in  the  human  family. 

Treatment. — If  the  disease  be  observed  early  or  be- 
fore the  leg  becomes  hard,  take  about  one  quart  of  blood 
from  the  neck,  and  give  slop  feed,  that  is,  bran  with 
plenty  of  water  in  it.  Also,  give  one  ounce  doses  of  the 
sulphite  of  soda  once  in  the  day  for  a  few  days,  and 
bathe  the  legs  three  times  in  the  day  with  the  same  solu- 
tion of  concentrated  lye,  as  is  recommended  in  grease, 
(which  see.)  If  the  swelling  does  not  lesson  in  two  days 
after  these  various  agents  have  been  employed,  then  in- 
cisions of  an  inch  in  length  through  the  skin  will  have  to 
be  made  for  the  purpose  of  letting  out  the  imprisoned 
fluid  before  the  arteries  of  the  legs  have  become  plugged 
or  filled  up,  which  constitute  the  thick  or  fat  leg  so  often 
seen  in  horses  in  large  cities.  In  addition,  the  leg  will 
have  to  be  bandaged  pretty  tightly  with  a  broad  bandage, 
and  the  leg  to  be  still  bathed  three  times  in  the  day  with 
the  solution  of  concentrated  lye.  Many  good  horses 
have  been  rendered  of  little  value  from  want  of  a  know- 
ledge of  this  disease  and  its  proper  treatment. 

Grip6S. — This  name  is  sometimes  applied  to  colic, 
(which  see.) 

Grogginess- — A  term  meant  to  convey  the  idea  that 

the  horse  does  not  travel  very  steady  in  front,  and  from 

contracted  or  bent  legs  at  the  knee,  or  from  soreness  in 

'■  the  feet  from  a  previous  attack  of  founder  in  the  feet, 

(which  see.) 


GUN    SHOT. 


99 


Grunter. — This  name  is  used  or  applied  to  horses 
which  give  forth  a  grunting  noise.  One  condition  giving 
rise  to  wheezing,  roaring,  whistling,  piping,  and  rattling, 
will,  with  slight  modification,  produce  a  grunter. 

Observe — If  the  collar  is  not  too  tight  on  the  neck,  in- 
terfering with  the  free  passage  of  air  in  and  out  of  the 
windpipe. 

Causes, — Generally  from  some 
thickening  of  the  glands  of  the 
neck  or  of  the  windpipe  from  the 
efi'ects  of  bronchitis  or  distemper, 
not  treated,  or  improperly  treated, 
by  not  supporting  the  strength, 
whereby  all  thickenings  are  taken 
up,  or  reduced  and  even  pre- 
vented. 

Gullet,  Obstructions  in. — 
(See  Choaking.) 

Gun  Shot. — This  is,  except- 
ing in  times  of  war,  a  rare  occur- 
rence, and  the  treatment  consists 
in  extracting  the  bullet,  and 
healing  the  wound  as  for  an  or- 
dinary sore.  The  bullet  is  ex- 
tracted by  an  instrument  repre- 
sented in  the  accompanying  cut, 
and  is  called  Bullet  Forceps. 
The  instrument  is  represented  as 
grasping  the  bullet;  also  in  the 
way  it  is  introduced  to  extract 
the  ball. 

Gutta  Serena.— (See  Eye 
Diseases.)  bullet  porcbps. 


100  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Diseases  of  the  Heart. — Of  diseases  of  the  heart, 
little  need  be  said;  and  as  little  can  be  done  in  the  way 
of  cure,  so  all  I  propose  under  this  head  is  merely  to 
name  a  few  of  the  altered  conditions  of  the  heart,  which 
are  all  embraced  in  the  sweeping  term  "Heart  disease." 

(1.)  Enlargement  of  the  heart. 

(2.)  Wasting  or  shrinking  of  the  heart. 

(3.)  Foreign  bodies  in  the  heart. 

(4.)  Fatty  degeneration  of  the  heart. 

(5.)  Inflammation  of  the  heart. 

(6.)  Ossification  of  the  heart. 

Such,  then,  are  some  of  the  distinctions  made,  when 
speaking  of  diseases  of  the  heart.  And  as  an  illustration 
of  what  a  horse  with  heart  disease  can  do,  and  what  can, 
and  is  sometimes  done  with  such  an  animal  so  affected,  I 
reproduce  an  article  from  the  Scottish  Farmer,  which 
may  be  of  interest  to  some  of  our  American  farmers. 

"If  one  of  the  busy  paternity  who  delight  in  a  deal, 
on  a  dark  Wednesday  night,  in  the  grass  market,  were 
asked  what  sort  of  horse  he  wished  to  procure,  as  a  safe 
investment  for  his  ill-gathered  coin,  he  would  certainly 
prefer  a  good-looking  Clydesdale,  sound  in  limb ;  not  a 
roarer,  but  with  a  mysterious  screw  loose,  which  few,  in- 
cluding the  horse-Coper  himself,  can  discover.  Such  an 
animal  h^s  been  turned  over  many  and  many  a  time  with- 
in the  last  three  weeks,  in  or  near  Edinburgh. 

Our  readers  will  remember  a  second  article  on  heart 
disease,  in  which  three  cases  were  specially  mentioned, 
and  one  amongst  them,  under  "observation."  A  full- 
sized,  active  gray  mare,  apparently  fit  for  a  goods  van, 
having  been  treated  for  a  cold  by  a  blacksmith,  proved  to  be 


HEAVES. 


101 


suffering  from  dilation  of  the  right  side  of  the  head.  She 
was  looked  upon  with  interest  bj  a  strong  muster  of  stu- 
dents, who  hoped  to  see  further  into  matters,  and  pro- 
posed to  buy  the  mare,  to  be  destroyed,  as  the  only  hu- 
mane method  to  treating  her.  But,  as  we  are  informed, 
a  friend,  seeing  the  animal  with  swelled  legs,  only  thought 
he  could  cure  the  case,  and  urged  that  she  should  be  sent 
to  his  farm,  where  he  would  put  her  to  thie  plough.  In 
opposition  to  professional  advice,  this  was  agreed  upon, 
and  the  students  disappointed  of  their  legitimate  prize. 
Not  many  days  elapsed  before  the  farmer  found  that  he 
had  undertaken  a  hard  task,  in  attempting  to  cure  the 
swelled  legs.  Seven  dollars  and  a  half  were  realized  for 
this  likely-looking  animal,  and  we  believe  a  smith,  near 
Edinburgh,  was  the  purchaser.  Here,  the  trickery  com- 
menced; and  a  simple  countryman  greedily  closed  a  bar- 
gam,  which  enriched  the  smith  by  forty-two  dollars  and  fifty 
cents.  The  animal's  wind,  was,  however,  wrong,  and  cart- 
work  would  not  suit  her;  so  that,  in  despair,  an  exchange 
was  effected  with  some  of  the  ingenious  dealers  in  horse- 
flesh, in  this  town.  Exchange  followed  exchange,  and  it 
proved  very  troublesome  to  trace  the  animal,  when  at  last, 
in  broad  day-light,  she  falls,  by  the  auctioneer's  hammer, 
to  the  lot  of  a  man  from  Glasgow-side. 

Many  a  twenty  dollar  note  can  be  made  out  of  a  poor 
animal  thus  knocked  from  hand  to  hand,  until,  in  the 
course  of  nature,  it  drops  dead  in  harness.  The  history 
of  the  case  is  as  interresting  as  would  have  been  the  post 
mortem  to  the  students;  and  it  will  be  found  that  one  of 
the  most  remarkable  features  in  such  cases,  is  the  length 
of  time  that  animals  retain  a  selling  appearance,  though 
absolutely  unfit  for  any  exertion." 

Heaves. — This  is  a  term  in  frequent  use,  but  not  so 


102  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

well  understood  as  it  ought  to  be,  seeing  its  importance 
as  to  the  proper  value  of  an  animal.  Heaves,  then,  may 
be  defined  a  dijQSculty  in  breathing,  whereby,  the  value  and 
usefulness  of  the  horse  is  seriously  impaired.  There  is 
every  degree  of  intensity  to  be  seen  in  this  disease. 
Some  animals  are  so  seriously  affected,  that  it  is  hard  to 
look  at  the  distorted  efforts  made  in  the  art  of  respiration. 
The  deep  and  not  suffered-to-be-completed  respiration, 
tells  the  tale  of  great  asthmatic  effort  and  oppression.  In 
others,  it  is  so  slight  that  only  experts  can  observe  it; 
not  from  the  quickness  of  breathing,  nor  yet  of  its  depth ; 
but  of  a  peculiar  double  beat  or  hitch,  differing  from  all 
other  varieties  of  breathing,  either  of  fever,  inflammation, 
or  debility,  it  is  still  single  and  separate. 

Causes. — Debility  of  the  parvagum  nerve;  for  if  this 
nerve  is  derided  or  cut  in  its  coarse,  heaves,  or  broken 
wind,  is  set  up  at  once.  What  the  real  condition  of  this 
nerve  is,  which  gives  rise  to  heaves,  is  not  at  present 
known;  and  it  is  difficult,  in  many  cases,  to  trace  and 
distinguish  any  alteration  of  the  nerves,  as  they  may  re- 
tain their  color,  yet  their  influence  may  be  greatly  im- 
paired. For  two  reasons  I  have  said  debility.  First,  be- 
cause, if  it  was  cut,  or  had  entirely  lost  its  influence,  the 
animal  would  die  in  forty-eight  hours.  Second,  because, 
by  the  administration  of  powerful  tonics,  the  symptoms 
of  the  disease  are  greatly  relieved,  and  in  some  cases  they 
entirely  disappear. 

Treatment. — Horse-dealers,  in  order  to  allay  the  symp- 
toms, that  is,  the  peculiar  breathing,  give  an  ounce  each, 
of  powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  gentian  and  ginger  root. 
It  is  from  the  large  dose  that  is  given,  and  repeated  for 
a  few  days,  that  gives  or  imparts  a  tonicity  to  the  nerve. 
Although  I  have  here  spoken  of  this  matter,  I  do  not 


HEREDITARY   DISEASES.  103 

wish  to  be  understood  as  advocating  such  a  business,  nei- 
ther in  the  attempt  to  cheat  nor  deceive  any  one ;  but 
the  large  dose  of  iron  meets  my  decided  disapproval,  as 
being  highly  injurious  to  the  horse,  although  the  giving 
of  round  or  spherical  shot,  as  is  practiced  in  England,  is 
much  worse.  The  treatment,  whatever  that  may  be, 
to  do  good  permanently,  must  be  by  a  gradual  and  pro- 
gressive improvement;  five  grain  doses  of  arsenic,  given 
once  in  the  twenty-four  hours  for  two  weeks;  then, 
after  a  week's  intermission,  commenceing  as  before,  will 
cure  many  cases  Feed  the  animal  with  feed  in  small- 
bulk.  Give  as  little  hay,  or  rough  feed,  in  large  bulk,  as 
possible.  Improve  the  condition  of  the  horse  by  every 
way  or  means,  and  you  will  relieve  the  animal. 

Heat. — General  heat  of  the  skin  indicates  fever; — lo- 
cal heat,  inflammation. 

Hepatic  Diseases. — (See  Liver  Disease.) 
Hernia. — This  is  a  name  given  to  ruptures,  (See  rup- 
tures.) 

Herpes. — A  named  used  in  skin  diseases,  (See  mange 
and  skin  diseases.) 

Hereditary  Diseases. — No  one,  of  any  observation, 
can  deny  that  hereditary  influence  exists  in  the  produc- 
tion of  disease.  This  influence,  it  must  not,  in  the  pro- 
duction of  disease,  be  considered  in  the  light  of  too 
many,  that  if  a  horse  or  a  mare  had  disease,  their  young 
ones  will  have  the  same  disease,  also, — not  at  all.  It  is 
by  whatever  change  or  alteration  of  structure,  action  or 
function,  that  existed  in  either  of  the  parents,  that  was 
the  cause  of  disease  in  them,  and  these  same  forms  which 
existed  in  them,  are  likely  to  be  transmitted  to  the 
offspring,  thus  carrying  the  various  formations  of  struc- 


104  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

ture,  which  will  ultimately  end  in  producing  diseases  of 
like  character.  A  great  number  of  those  affections, 
which  are  usually  styled  hereditary, — do  not  make  their 
appearance  until  years  after  their  birth,  because  it  re- 
quires time  and  work  to  develop  them.  Few  persons 
would  expect  a  horse  with  cow  hock,  (which  see),  to 
become  curbed  without  work,  as  a  secondary  cause. 
There  is  one  other  point  worthy  of  remark,  when  speak- 
ing of  hereditary  disease,  and  that  is  many  animals, 
which  have  been  bred  poor,  have  been  animals  badly 
fed  and  cared  for,  whereas  if  good  feeding  and  care, 
had  been  bestowed  upon  them,  it  would  have  gone  a  long 
way  in  lessening  the  certainty  of  developing  hereditary 
diseases  in  themselves,  and  their  offspring.  This  is  every 
day  being  illustrated  in  the  family  of  man.  There  are 
several  rules  laid  down  to  be  observed  as  measures  to 
prevent  and  modify  these  conditions,  which  result  in  pro- 
ducing disease  of  hereditary  predisposition.  And  there 
have  been  receipts  found  in  the  temple  of  ^sculapius,  and 
said  to  be  in  the  handwriting  of  Hippocrates  himself, 
for  the  purpose  of  mitigating  the  hereditary  conditions, 
which  are  so  often  seen  in  the  human  family.  Although 
these  rules  cannot  in  all  cases  be  applied  to  animals, 
nevertheless,  much  can  be  done ;  but  the  better  way  will 
be  to  avoid  breeding  from  diseased  animals.  So  long  as 
like  begets  like,  so  long  will  we  have  hereditary  disease 
among  horses. 

Hide  Bound. — This,  properly  speaking,  is  not  a  dis- 
ease, but  the  symptom  of  bad  condition,  "out  of  sorts," 
debility,  etc. 

Treatment. — Feed  in  large  bulk,  or  mixed  feed,  cut 
hay,  corn  meal,  and  bran  in  good  proportion,  with  no 
more  water  than  will  keep  the  particles  togther.     Give 


HIP   JOINT    DISEASE.  1^5 


the  following  powder  every  night  in  feed  for  twelve 
nights:  — Powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  three  drachms; 
powdered  gentian  root,  four  drachms.  Mix.  If  the 
animal  is  fat  and  yet  hide  bound,  substitute  the  follow- 
ing, instead  of  that  above  recommended:— Take  sulphu- 
ret  of  antimony,  three  drachms;  sulphur  in  flour,  three 
drachms;  sulphite  of  soda,  half  an  ounce.  Mix,  and 
give  in  one  dose,  and  give  one  dose  every  night  for  two 
weeks.  If  in  the  winter,  put  on  an  extra  blanket.  If 
in  summer,  give  cut  grass  to  eat. 

Hip  joint  Disease.— Happily,  this  is  a  very  rare 
disease  in  horses,  and  does  not  make  its  appearance  so 
soon  as  in  man,  and  is  always  the  result  of  accident  or 
injury,  and  is  a  joint  affection,  not  of  the  muscles,  be- 
cause the  mass  of  muscles  are  so  very  great  over  the 
hip,  that  it  is  not  an  easy  matter  to  sprain  them.  I 
speak  of  this  here,  because  among  horsemen  it  is  a  great 
bug-bear,  and  often  occurring  in  their  ideas :  whereas,  in 
ninety-nine  cases  out  of  a  hundred  of  their  so-called  hip 
and  ivhirl  hone  disease,  the  lameness  will  be  found  in  the 
hock  joint.  Why  do  they  jump  at  the  conclusion  that 
the  lameness  is  in  the  hip?  Because  in  every  movement 
of  the  hock  joint,  the  vibration  or  hitch  is  more  distinctly 
seen  by  the  altered  action  of  the  muscles  of  the  hip,  as 
when  the  hock  joint  moves  but  partially,  and  not  com- 
pletely, it  is  not  so  readily  seen  at  the  hock,  but  at  the 
hip.  Hence,  this  is  but  the  old  adage,  cause  and  effect, 
but  in  this  case  the  horseman  has  them  reversed.  (See 
Spavin.) 

A%mp^ow2s.-— Lowness  or  falling  in  of  the  hip ;  a  pecu- 
liar manner  of  moving  not  indicating  inability  as  is  seen 
in  fracture  of  the  pelvis  bone,  but  of  great  pain  and  diffi- 


106  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

culty,  not  yielding  or  bending  low  down  on  that  quarter 
when  the  horse  takes  a  step.  The  leg  appears  shorter, 
and  is  placed  when  standing  slightly  under  the  body, 
and  not  doubled  up,  or  standing  upon  the  toe  as  is  seen 
in  cases  of  hock  joint  disease. 

Treatment. — Absolute  and  entire  rest  for  a  few  weeks. 
The  application  of  cold  water  cloths  over  the  hip,  taking 
them  off  at  night,  and  applying  them  in  the  morning 
again.  This  will  have  to  be  kept  up  for  a  week  at  least, 
so  that  all  heat  and  tenderness  will  be  removed  before 
any  irritant  can  be  used  to  the  parts.  Never  apply  hot 
liniments  to  a  part  already  too  hot  and  painful.  Then 
apply  by  rubbing  with  the  hand  over  the  parts  every 
second  day  the  following : — Oil  of  turpentine,  one  ounce ; 
oil  of  olives,  two  ounces;  creosote,  one  ounce;  mix.  This 
will  not  only  act  as  an  irritant,  but  as  a  powerful  seda- 
tive to  the  nerves  of  the  parts,  causing  relief  from  pain, 
and  consequently  the  animal  can  be  made  useful. 

Hock,  The. — This  is  an  important  joint  or  part  of 
the  horse,  and  is  the  seat  of  many  diseases,  causing 
lameness.  In  the  majority  of  hind  leg  lamenesses,  the 
hock  is  the  true  situation.  This  fact  is  not  apparent 
to  the  non-professional  person,  as  the  hock  while  dis- 
eased does  not  swell  so  often  as  other  portions  of  the 
body,  or  legs  when  diseased.  Bog  or  blood  spavin  and 
thorough-pin,  a  blind  man  can  almost  see.  With  these 
exceptions  I  say,  hock  joint  lameness  in  the  majority  of 
cases  is  charged  to  the  hip  or  somewhere  else,  simply  be- 
cause persons  fail  to  see  any  peculiarity,  even  when 
pointed  out  to  them.     (See  Stringhalt.) 

Sprain  of  the  hock  joint  is  to  be  tr-eated  with  cold 
water  cloths  for  a  few  days,  and  the  application  of  the 


HYDROTHORAX.  107 

following,  once  every  second  day,  for  a  week,  with  fric- 
tion or  rubbing: — Oil  of  turpentine;  oil  of  olives;  equal 
parts  mix.  This  is  a  simple,  cheap,  and  good  liniment, 
and  will  answer  every  good  purpose.  For  diseases  of 
the  hock  joint,  see  Spavin. 

Hooks  in  the  Eyes. — This  is  a  term  in  use  by 
country  folks  when  referring  to  the  peculiar  action  of 
the  memhrana  nictatans  in  cases  of  locked-jaw,  (which 
see.)  Many  persons  have  advised  that  these  useful 
membranes  should  be  cut  out.  Nothing  could  be  fur- 
ther wrong  than  this ;  for  it  is  merely  the  effect  of  a 
cause.  Rather  remove  the  cause,  or  cure  the  locked-jaw, 
and  the  protruding  of  the  hook  or  horns  will  cease.  This 
is  the  only  true  plan  to  adopt. 

Horse,  Natural  History  of  the. The  horse 

comes  under  the  division  vertebrata,  class  mammalia, 
tribe  Ungulata,  order  Pachydermata,  family  Solipeda. 

Horse  Fly. — This  comprehends  the  gad  or  breeze 
fly,  GasteropMlus  oestrus.  The  spotted  horse  fly,  Gr. 
Equi.  The  red-tailed  horse  fly,  (7.  heinorrlwidalis. 
This  last  fly  deposits  her  eggs  on  the  lips  of  the  horse, 
and  the  former  glues  them  to  the  hair  of  the  legs. 
These  various  eggs  are  ultimately  taken  into  the  sto- 
mach, and  in  one  year  they  have  become  sufiiciently 
matured  that  they  are  thrown  out  to  the  outer  world  to 
get  wings,  an^  finally  fly  about  and  propagate  their  kind 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  parent  stock.     (See  Worms.) 

Hydrothorax. — This  is  a  name  given  to  water  when 
it  accumulates  in  the  chest.  Hence,  hydro,  water,  and 
thorax,  the  chest. 

Causes. — Debility  from  the  effects  of  inflammation  of 
some  of  the  organs  within  the  chest. 


108  DISEASES   OP   THE   HORSE. 

Treatment. — Tonics  to  improve  the  general  health,  and 
medicines  to  draw  off  the  water  by  the  kidneys  and  bow- 
els. An  operation  is  recommended  by  which  the  fluids 
are  drawn  from  the  side  by  means  of  a  trochar.  (See 
Dropsy.) 

Hydrocele. — A  collection  of  fluid  in  the  scrotum  of 
stallions. 

Treatment. — Paint  the  scrotum  with  the  tincture  of 
benzoin  or  iodine.  If  these  remedies  are  not  successful 
in  causing  absorption  of  the  water,  the  skin  of  the  scro- 
tum will  have  to  be  opened  to  let  out  the  fluid. 

Hydronemia. — A  name  used  when  speaking  of  the 
blood,  when  it  contains  too  much  water — water  in  the 
blood.     (Sec  Dropsy.) 

Hydrophobia, — This  disease,  happily,  is  rare  in  a 
practice  of  thirteen  years,  and  doing  much  in  the  treat- 
ment of  diseases  of  horses,  and  being  well  acquainted 
with  the  practice  of  other  persons,  I  can  only  record 
three  cases,  and  one  of  these  was  a  mule.  This  disease 
is  sometimes  called  water  dread  and  canine  rabies  from 
the  fact  that  it  is  only  generated  in  the  dog  and  feline 
species  of  animals. 

Cause  in  Horses. — Bites  of  the  mad  dog,  and  some- 
times the  bite  from  the  common  cat  is  capable  of  pro- 
ducing the  disease. 

Symptoms. — In  those  cases  that  came  under  my  no- 
tice, the  symptoms  were  anything  but  like  each  other. 
In  one  animal,  the  propensity  to  bite  at  objects  was  more 
severe,  and  in  another,  the  horse  would  walk  and  look 
about  him,  utter  a  peculiar  sound,  and  lie  down  and  get 
hold  of  the  heels,  and  part  of  the  arm  of  the  fore  leg 
with  his  teeth  till  he  had  them  bleeding,  get  up  again,  and 


HYSTERIA.  109 

walk  about  without  any  apparent  object  in  view.  But 
the  destructive  impulse  attributed  by  some  authors,  I 
think,  is  merely  the  fancy  of  an  inexperienced  mind  in 
such  matter3.  The  symptoms  of  the  mule  differed  from 
each  of  the  horses,  inasmuch  as  he  would  at  times  eat 
hay  very  ravenously,  stop  all  at  once,  and  with  the  pe- 
culiar sound  not  like  the  bark  of  a  dog,  but  of  such  a 
character  which  cannot  be  described,  and  lie  down  and 
have  a  good  roll  to  himself;  then  he  would  run  at  any 
person  within  his  reach  with  open  mouth.  But  in  no  in- 
stance would  any  of  the  cases  attempt  to  bite  at  anything 
not  endowed  with  animal  life.  All  of  these  animals  were 
confined  in  enclosures  from  which  they  could  not  escape. 
Any  person  having  the  least  experience  with  horses,  will 
observe  a  peculiarity  at  times,  which  will  appear  not  to 
belong  to  common  diseases.  These  animals  lived  about 
thirty-six  hours  after  the  active  symptoms  of  the  disease 
set  in.     (See  Bites  of  Mad  Dog.) 

Hypertrophy. — This  name  means  a  state  of  certain 
organs  increased  in  size,  and  decreased  in  power.  The 
heart,  kidneys,  spleen,  liver,  and  other  parts  of  the  body, 
are  liable  to  this  disease. 

Hysteria. — This  is  a  disease  which  is  sometimes  seen 
in  mares  only. 

Causes. — Irritation  of  the  uterus,  or  of  some  of  its 
nerves. 

Symptoms.  —  Great  excitement  and  incapability  of 
standing,  and  it  appears  as  if  some  of  the  bones  of  the 
back  or  loins  were  broken. 

Treatment. — Give  twenty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aco- 
nite root  every  four  hours,  whilst  the  symptom  lasts. 
Build  up  the  strength  of  the  mare  by  the  following: — 


110  DISEASES   OP    THE    HORSE. 

Sulphate  of  iron,  three  drachms;  gentian  root,  three 
drachms.  Mix,  and  give  in  one  dose  every  day  for  a 
week  or  ten  days.     Give  good  feeding. 

Caution. — Unsafe  to  use — will  return  again. 

Indigestion- — However  much,  man  in  the  sedentary 
walks  of  life,  may  be  the  subject  of  this  disease,  the 
horse  with  a  task-master  is  comparatively  free  from  it. 
Cases  do  occur  occasionally  in  our  large  cities,  where  in 
too  many  cases  the  horse  is  left  standing  in  the  stable, 
twenty  out  of  the  twenty-four  hours.  Idleness  begets 
indigestion,  and  indigestion  begets  crib-biting,  or  wind- 
sucking,  and  between  them  the  poor  horse  looses  flesh, 
condition  and  spirit.     (See  crib-biting.) 

Treatment — Send  the  horse  to  pasture,  and  when  he 
returns  give  him  regular  feed,  and  regular  work  to  pre- 
vent a  return  of  it. 

Infection. — (See  contagion.) 

Inflammation. — Inflammation  of  the  various  portions 
or  parts  of  the  body  will  be  found  treated  of  under  the 
name  of  the  organ  or  part  afi*ected. 

Influenza- — This  is  a  name  which  is  properly  applied 
to  an  epizootic  catarrh  of  frequent  occurrence  in  the 
spring  of  the  year.  Indeed  it  is  very  rare  that  we  see 
a  cold  run  its  course  as  such,  without  some  complication 
of  one  kind  or  another. 

Symptoms. — A  chill  or  shivering  fit,  succeeded  by  in- 
creased heat  of  the  body,  with  fever  and  irritation. 
Loss  of  appetite,  cough,  discharge  of  mucus  from  the 
nose,  watering  of  the  eyes,  great  prostration  of  strength, 
followed  in  a  day  or  two  with  swellings  of  the  legs,  and 
in  bad  cases,  of  the  belly,  breast,  and  in  males,  of  the 


INFLUENZA.  Ill 

sheath;  Such  is  a  true  and  succirxt  account  of  the 
symptoms  of  this  disease.  The  symptoms  will  vary  as 
in  other  diseases,  with  the  intensity  of  the  affection. 

Causes. — A  subtle  poison  in  the  air,  sudden  changes 
in  the  dryness  or  moisture  of  the  earth's  surface, 
easterly  winds,  cold  accompanied  with  dampness  in  the  air, 
these  are  conditions  which  too  often  accompany  or  pre- 
cede influenza.  Influenza  diff*ers  from  an  attack  of  com- 
mon cold,  chiefly  in  the  severity  of  its  efl"ect,  causing 
more  fever  and  greater  debility.  In  England  it  was  first 
observed  in  1819,  and  again  in  1832,  and  more  or  less 
ever  since.  In  the  United  States  it  first  manifested 
itself  in  1856,  and  is  still  seen  every  spring  and  fall 
with  symptoms  more  or  less  severe. 

Treatment. — The  mortality  in  this  disease  is  great, 
when  treated  according  to  the  books,  which  our  pub- 
lishers issue  from  this  press,  old  English  books,  with  new 
dresses  cut  to  the  fashion.  Bear  this  in  mind,  when 
undertaking  the  treatment  of  a  disease  of  this  kind, 
that  one  step  wrongly  taken,  can  never  be  recalled. 
Place  the  horse  in  a  cool  (not  cold)  and  airy  place,  and 
pUt  a  light  covering  upon  him,  and  give  twenty  drops  of 
the  tincture  of  aconite  root  in  a  little  cold  water,  every 
four  hours,  till  five  doses  are  given.  Place  plenty  of  cold 
water  before  the  horse  so  that  he  can  drink  as  much  as  he 
wants.  When  the  aconite  has  been  all  given,  commence 
with  fifteen  drop  doses  of  the  tincture  of  nux  vomica, 
also,  every  four  hours,  and  continuing  it  for  a  few 
days,  and  if  the  animal  improves  and  the  appetite 
return,  nothing  more  in  the  way  of  medicine  need  be 
given.  Recovery  being  slow,  and  the  appetite  poor, 
give  the  following  powders,  morning,  noon  and  night : 
Powdered  Carbonate  of  Ammonia,  three  ounces  ;  Pow- 


112 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 


dered  Gentian  Root,  two  ounces  ;  Powdered  Pimenta 
Berries,  two  ounces  ;  Mix,  and  divide  into  12  powders, 
and  give  them  mixed  in  a  little  cold  water,  and  drench 
the  horse  out  of  a  strong  mouthed  bottle.  The  powders 
will  have  to  be  wrapped  well,  so  as  to  keep  them  from 
the  air,  so  as  not  to  loose  their  strength.  Twenty  drops 
of  commercial  sulphuric  acid  may  be  given  occasionally, 
in  a  half  a  bucket  of  cold  water,  w^hich  the 
horse  will  readily  drink.  Do  not  apply  blis- 
ters nor  any  thing  to  the  throat,  as  is  too  of- 
ten done  ;  they  can  do  no  good  but  posi- 
tively much  harm.  •  Be  assured  the  animal 
has  fully  recovered  its  strength  before  put- 
ting to  work.  If  treated  in  the  manner 
described,  from  five  to  six  days  the  horse 
will  be  almost  well  again.  (See  Gastritis 
mucosa,  and  Rheumatism.) 

Injections. — These  are  composed  of 
warm  water,  soap,  and  a  handful  of  table- 
salt.  The  water  about  luke-warm.  The 
usual  way  to  give  injections,  is  by  means  of 
lillliH  ^  large  syringe,  capable  of  holding  a  quart 
of  the  fluid.  The  diseases  which  call  for  in- 
jections, are  the  various  varieties  of  cholic. 
Few  medicines  will  cure  colic  without  the 
aid  of  injections;  whereas,  colic,  in  very 
many  cases,  can  be  readily  cured  by  the  in- 
jection alone.  Therefore,  never  put  confi- 
dence in  any  person  who  undertakes  to  cure 
colic,  without  injections  of  warm  water,  soap 

Injection  Syringe.     ^^^  ^^i^ 


INSTRUMENTS. 


113 


Instruments. — The  various  cuts  of  instruments,  re- 


presented throughout  the  book,  explain  themselves, 
few  here  placed,  may  be  explained  as  follows : 


The 


No.l. 


No.  1,  is  two  patterns  of  the  ecraseur,  as  manufac- 
tured by  D.  W.  Kolbe,  surgical  instrument  maker  to  the 
University  of  Pennsylvania,  15  South  9th  street,  Phila- 
delphia. 


No.  2. 


No.  2,  is  a  representation  of  the  same  instrument,  as 
manufactured  by  John  F.  Kumerle,  111  South  8th  street, 
Philadelphia.  The  ecraseur  is  now  extensively  and  suc- 
cessfully used  for  castrating  colts,  and  for  the  removal  of 
tumours.  The  object  of  using  this  instrument,  is,  that 
no  bleeding  follows  its  use. — (See  Castration.) 


lU 


DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 


No.  3. 


man  and  beast  is  heir, 


No.  3,  is  a  spring  lancet,  and 
was  invented  by  a  Mr.  Weiss,  of 
London,  for  the  use  of  farmers 
who  couki  not  use  its  more  suro;i- 
cal  prototype,  the  lancet.  This 
was  at  a  time  when  bleeding  was 
thought  to  be  the  great  panacea 
for  all  the  ills  and  aches,  to  which 


No.  5. 


Ko.  6. 


JS'o.  4. 

No.  4,  is  a  small  syringe,  used  for  injecting  medi- 
cines into  the  cavities  of  tumours,  to  destroy  their  dis- 
eased walls. 

No.  5,  is  a  curved  trocar  and  canula,  and  is  used  for 
piercing  dropsical  swellings  and  tumours,  to  run  ofi"  the 
fluid.  The  trocar  is  drawn  out  after  the  parts  have  been 
pierced,  and  the  canula  remains  as  a  tube,  whereby  the 
water  escapes. 

No.  6,  is  a  straight  trocar  with  canula,  and  is  used  in 
different  sizes,  and  for  various  pui-poses.     Irs  first,  and 


INTERFERING.  115 

most  important  use,  is  for  piercing  the  rumen  of  cows  and 
oxen,  when  attacked  with  hoven.  Second,  it  is  used  oc- 
casionally for  piercing  the  horse,  in  cases  of  flatulent  co- 
lic, and  in  drawing  off  the  fluid  or  serum,  accumulated  in 
the  chest  from  disease  of  the  lungs  and  pleura.  Third, 
a  small  size  of  this  instrument,  is  used  in  piercing  the 
head  of  sheep,  affected  with  hydatids.  After  the  trocar 
has  entered  the  hydatid  sack,  the  trocar  is  pulled  out,  the 
canula  remains,  the  point  of  a  small,  and  well-packed  sy- 
ringe is  placed  in  the  head  of  the  canula,  and  the  suc- 
tion-force draws  the  fluid  into  the  syringe,  and  the  small 
cysts  into  the  canula;  so  it  can  be  caught,  and  pulled 
out  by  means  of  a  pair  of  forceps.  A  trocar  and  canula 
should  be  kept  by  every  farmer  who  has  a  cow  or  an  ox. 

Intestines- — Introsusception,  or  an  entangling  of  the 
intestines,  sometimes  takes  place  in  horses,  and  proves 
fatal. 

Causes. — Bowels  empty,  and  the  horse  being  driven 
fast. 

Symptom. — When  the  horse  comes  in,  he  is  observed 
to  be  uneasy : — lying  down,  pawing  with  his  feet,  follow- 
ing closely  the  symptoms  of  colic.  The  difficulty,  or  im- 
possibility of  procuring  relief,  is  only  seen  on  examina- 
tion, after  the  horse  is  dead.    (See  Bowel  Diseases.) 

Itch. — (See  Mange  and  Skin  Diseases.) 

Interfering. — This  name  is  in  use,  when  speaking  of 
a  horse  hitting  himself  on  the  inside  of  the  pastern  joint, 
either  on  the  hind  or  fore  leg.  Sometimes  it  is  called 
cutting.  It  is  usually  done  with  the  side  of  the  opposite 
foot. 

Causes. — The  blacksmith  is  many  times  wrongfully 
blamed  for  shoeing  the  horse,  bcause  he  interferes.    There 


116  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

are  cases,  no  doubt,  where  a  little  observation  and  care, 
on  the  part  of  the  sheer,  would  have  prevented  it.  From 
much  observation,  I  am  satisfied  that  the  chief  cause  lies 
in  the  weakness  of  the  horse,  particularly  in  the  spring 
of  the  year.  Horsemen  well  know  that  their  horses  did 
not  interfere  in  the  winter  months,  when  the  weather  was 
not  oppressive,  and  the  horse  in  excellent  spirits ;  and  no 
changes  have  been  made  in  the  man  or  manner  of  shoeing. 
Treatment. — Give  a  few  powders  of  iron  and  gentian 
in  the  feed,  to  restore  the  horse  to  strength.  (See^Medi- 
cines.) 

Jack. — A  small  point  on  the  inside  of  the  hock-joint 
of  the  horse,  affected  with  bone  spavin. 

Jaundice. — This  signifies  ♦bile  in  the  blood : — biliary 
intoxication,  tinging  the  membranes  of  the  nose,  mouth, 
etc.,  with  a  yellow  color.     (See  Liver  Diseases.) 

Joint  Diseases. — The  diseases  of  the  various  joints 
in  the  horse,  are  many.  Among  them  may  be  enume- 
rated four  varieties  of  spavin,  bone,  blood,  bog  and  occult, 
all  of  the  hock  joint.  Of  the  patella,  in  the  form  of  dis- 
location. Of  the  hip,  or  whirl-bone  joint,  ulceration  and 
sprain.  Of  the  joints  of  the  back-bones,  caries  and  ulce- 
ration. Of  the  foot,  cofiin-joint,  commonly  called  navicu- 
lar-joint,  lameness.  Of  the  pastern  joints,  anchylosis 
or  stiff-joint.  Of  the  lower  pastern,  ring-bone.  Of  the 
knee-joint,  stiffness  and  open  joint.  Of  the  point  of  the 
shoulders,  ulceration  and  bulging  out  of  the  capsular  lig- 
ament of  the  joint.  Wind  galls,  of  almost  all  the  joints, 
more  specially  in  the  pasterns.  The  cause  and  treatment 
of  these  affections,  will  be  found  under  their  proper  heads, 
throughout  the  book. 

Jugular  Vein. — Inflammation  of.  This  maybe  merely 


KIDNEYS. 


117 


a  simple  swelling,  after  bleeding,  caused  by  bruising  the 
parts,  bj  too  great  force  applied  when  bleeding,  or  by 
closing  the  wound  too  tightly,  causing  extravasation  of 
blood,  between  the  skin  and  the  fascia.  Inflammation 
of  the  jugular,  may  be  of  great  magnitude,  involving 
that  vessel  the  whole  length  of  the  neck,  above  and  be- 
low the  wound  made  by  bleeding,  ultimately  causing  its 
entire  obliteration.  And,  occasionally,  the  inflammation 
extends  'to  the  brain  itself,  destroying  life.  Happily, 
bleeding  is  not  now  recommended  in  the  treatment  of  dis- 
ease; consequently,  this  afi'ection  will  be  among  the  dis- 
eases of  the  past. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  pin,  or  whatever  has  been 
used  to  close  the  wound,  and  apply  a  piece  of  blue-stone 
to  the  bleeding  sore:  this  may  be  used  once  a  day,  for 
a  day  or  twq.  Hot  fomentations,  or  a  small  poultice, 
should  be  applied  to  the  part,  to  abate  the  inflammation 
or  irritation.  The  fomentation  will  have  to  be  applied, 
the  whole  length  of  the  thick  corded  vein,  to  cause  its  re- 
laxation. Cut  the  feed  for  the  horse,  so  as  to  save  the 
movements  of  the  jaws,  thus  giving  rest,  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, to  the  parts  afi'ected. 

Kidneys,  Diseases  of.— The  most  important  of 
which  is  that  already  described  under  the  head  of  dia- 
betes, (which  see.)  Haematuria  or  bloody  urine,  is 
occasionally  seen  in  horses^  more  often  in  cattle,  and  con- 
sists in  a  diseased  state  of  the  kidneys,  from  violent 
strains  or  accidents. 

Caleuli,  or  stone  in  the  kidneys,  are  often  found  in  the 
kidneys  of  horses,  and  cause  considerable  irregularity 
in  making  water. 


118  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

Treatment. — Occasionally  give  thirty  to  forty  drops 
of  muriatic  acid,  in  a  bucket  of  cold  water  to  drink. 

Bloody  urine  may  be  treated  by  warm-water  cloths, 
laid  over  the  back  or  situation  above  the  kidneys,  and 
give  flax-seed  tea  to  drink,  to  soothe  the  parts.  Give  no 
saltpetre  or  other  medicine. 

In  old  horses,  as  is  in  old  men,  considerable  chronic 
disease  of  the  kidneys  exists.  Although  not  much  in  the 
way  of  cure  by  medicines  can  be  done,  a  great  deal  can 
be  done  to  soothe  the  parts,  by  soft  and  soothing  feed 
and  drink,  such  as  steamed  or  boiled  feed,  and  flax- 
seed tea,  cut  grass,  and  other  green  feed,  with  plenty  of 
cold  water  at  all  times  to  drink.  The  more  fluids  that 
go  into  the  body,  the  less  irritation  of  the  bladder  and 
kidneys.     (See  Bladder  Diseases.) 

Knees  Broken. — (See  Broken  Knees.) 

Knee  Joint — Loose  Cartilages  in. — Small  loose 
cartilage  is  sometimes  found  floating  in  the  knee  joint 
of  horses,  as  well  as  of  man,  and  is  the  cause  of  much 
of  the  obscure  lameness  that  is  so  often  unaccounted 
for,  and  so  far  as  I  am  aware  have  never  been  noticed 
by  any  writer.  The  lameness  is  very  sudden  and  passes 
ofi"  as  if  nothing  had  happened,  constantly  coming  and 
going. 

Treatment. — Removal  of  the  body  from  the  joint  by 
first  getting  it  into  a  corner,  and  holding  it  there,  and 
cutting  and  taking  it  out,  this  is  too  dangerous  an  opera- 
tion for  every  person  to  undertake,  as  it  is  cutting  into  a 
synovial  cavity. 

Knuckling. — This  is  a  peculiar  loose  double  action 
of  the  pastern  of  the  hind  legs,  and  is  a  symptom  of 
rather  than  a  disease  of  itself. 


LAMPAS.  119 

Cause. — Disease  in  tlie  hock  joint,  and  accompanies 
occult  and  bone  spavin,  weakness  in  the  part  from  the 
effects  of  sprains,  or  other  injury. 

Observe. — Knuckling  of  the  hind  pasterns,  is  a  symp- 
tom strongly  indicative  that  the  animal  has  had  an 
attack  of  paralysis,  or  is  likely  to  have  one:  at  all 
events  it  clearly  shows  that  either  the  brain  or  spinal 
cord  is  to  a  certain  extent  diseased,  resulting  in  loss  of 
motive  power  in  the  pasterns. 

Treatment. — Feed  the  horse  well,  and  give  fifteen 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  nux  vomica  three  times  in  the 
day.  If  the  hock  joint  be  the  cause,  treat  the  hock  as 
for  spavin,  or  palliate  the  symptoms  by  applying  two 
parts  of  olive  oil,  and  one  part  of  creosote  and  oil  of 
turpentine,  two  to  three  times  in  the  week. 

Lameness. — Lameness  occurs  in  many  ways,  and  from 
many  causes.  Fractures,  bruises,  sprains,  wounds  or  in- 
juries. These  will  be  found  treated  of  under  their  vari- 
ous names  through  the  book. 

Laminitis. — A  name  in  use  by  veterinary  surgeons 
when  speaking  of  founder,  and  is  a  generic  term  from 
lamina,  or  leaves,  which  form  the  bond  of  unity  between 
the  sensible  and  insensible  structures  of  the  horse's  feet, 
and  is  the  seat  of  the  disease  commonly  called  founder. 
(See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Lampas. — This  is  a  name  applied  to  slight  enlarge- 
ment, swelling,  or  fulness  of  the  bars  of  the  mouth  of 
young  horses  from  the  changes  of  teething.  Pinching 
the  skin  of  the  bars  with  the  nail  of  the  thumb  till  they 
bleed,  and  rubbing  in  a  little  table  salt,  is  much  better 
than  burning  the  mouth  with  a  red  hot  iron  from  the  ef- 


120  DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 

fects  of  which  the  animal  never  forgets  nor  forgives, 
whilst  any  attempt  is  being  made  to  do  any  thing  about 
his  head. 

Laryngitis. — This  is  a  disease  or  inflammation  of 
the  upper  portion  of  the  wind  pipe  accompanied  wdth 
fever,  increased  breathing,  and  cough.  The  cause  and 
treatment  of  this  disease  will  be  the  same  as  for  bronchi- 
tis, (which  see.) 

Leg,  Fractures  of. — (See  Fractures.) 

Lice. — Lice  of  various  kinds  are  often  the  source  of 
much  trouble  amongst  horses  kept  in  the  vicinity  of  hen 
or  chicken  houses. 

Symptoms.  —  Uneasiness,  rubbing,  and  scratching; 
stamping  with  the  feet  and  biting  at  the  legs,  as  if  some- 
thing were  annoying  him. 

Treatment, — Take  of  the  liver  of  sulphur,  one  ounce; 
cold  water,  one  pint.  Mix,  and  apply  with  a  hard  brush 
to  a  portion  of  the  body  at  a  time.  If  that  is  not  ef- 
fectual, get  bichloride  of  mercury,  thirty-two  grains; 
cold  water,  one  pint.  Mix,  and  apply  with  a  brush  to  a 
portion  only  at  a  time,  or  a  piece  of  the  body  every  day, 
till  all  has  been  gone  over  with  the  brush.  This  is  very 
weak,  and  can  do  the  horse  no  harm. 

Ligaments. — These  are  strong,  fibrous  substances, 
which  bind  together  the  diflferent  bones  of  the  body  or 
skeleton.  There  are  two  great  classes  of  ligaments;  the 
rounded,  or  the  lateral,  and  the  capsular,  or  sack-like 
ligaments,  as  of  the  shoulder  and  hip-joint. 

Lipoma. — A  variety  of  fatty  tumor.     (See  Tumors.) 

Liver. — The  liver  is  the  largest  secreting  gland  of 
the  body,  situated  within  the  short  ribs  on  the  right  side. 


LIVER. 


121 


Its  function  is  the  secretion  of  bile — a  yellow  alkaline  or 
soapy  fluid. 

Without  the  liver,  digestion  and  animal  heat  cannot  be 
maintained,  and  the  waste  or  effete  matter  cannot  be  re- 
moved from  the  blood.  So,  therefore,  when  the  liver  is 
disturbed,  there  can  be  no  health  in  the  rest  of  the 
system. 

Liver,  Inflammation  of  the. — The  horse  is  rarely 
the  subject  of  inflammation  of  this  organ  in  an  acute, 
but  more  commonly  in  a  chronic  form:  it  is  often  met 
with  from  the  fact  of  many  horses  being  highly  fed,  and 
having  nothing  to  do. 

Symptoms. — The  affected  part  is  very  obtuse.  But  we 
have  a  very  striking  analogy  of  this  disease  in  man  and 
the  horse,  which  materially  assists  in  forming  a  correct 
opinion  as  to  the  disease.  Pain  and  lameness  in  the 
right  shoulder  are  characteristic  of  liver  disease,  whether 
in  man  or  horse,  and  have  been  often  mistaken  and 
treated  as  for  the  disease  itself.  Not  less  so  is  the  pecu- 
liar yellowness  of  the  mei^ibranes  of  the  eyes,  nose,  and 
mouth,  constituting  a  disease  called  the  yellows  of  the 
old  horse  doctors. 

Treatment.  —  Give  powdered  aloes,  four  drachms; 
powdered  ginger  root,  two  drachms;  podophyllin,  one 
drachm.  Mix,  and  make  into  a  paste  with  molasses, 
and  form  a  bolus,  or  crumble  the  mass  in  a  little  thin 
gruel,  and  drench  the  horse  with  it.  Feed  the  horse 
with  green  and  soft  feed  to  keep  his  bowels  open. 

These  measures  being  neglected,  suppuration  or  an  ab- 
scess will  be  formed,  and  break  into  the  bowels,  or  be- 
come absorbed  and  produce  glanders,  which  I  believe  to 
be  a  prolific  cause  of  this  disease,  preceded  by  ill  health 


122  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

and  bad  habit  of  body,  terminating  by  a  mysterious  and 
unaccountable  discharge  from  the  nose,  inasmuch  as  it  is 
not  accompanied  with  cough,  and  other  symptoms  of 
cold. 

Locked  Jaw.  —  This  disease  occurs  usually  after 
wounds  of  the  feet,  as  from  nails  running  into  the  feet, 
from  wounds  and  fractures,  and  from  a  simple  wound  of 
a  tendinous  portion  of  the  body.  Locked  jaw  occurring 
after  wounds  or  other  injuries,  is  called  traumatic.  And 
when  locked  jaw  takes  place,  as  it  sometimes  does,  with- 
out any  injury  or  assignable  cause,  it  is  called  idiopatJiic 
locked  jaw.  Locked  jaw  may  be  defined  a  spasmodic 
contraction  of  the  muscles  of  the  body,  often  confined  to 
one  set  of  muscles  alone.  I  have  in  practice  seen  the 
same  contraction  in  one  set  of  muscles  of  the  body,  and 
the  muscles  of  the  jaw  free  from  the  cramps  and  not 
fixed  at  all,  and  depending  upon  the  same  causes  as  often 
produce  fixedness  of  the  jaw.  Locked  jaw  is  sometimes 
confined  to  the  muscles  of  the  neck,  and  is  then  called 
trismus. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms"  accompanying  locked  jaw 
in  the  horse  are  so  well  known  to  every  body,  that  little 
need  be  said  by  me  about  them  further  than  that  there  is 
general  stiffness  and  fixedness  in  the  manner  of  standing, 
and  a  peculiar  expression  of  countenance :  the^extended 
and  dilated  nostril,  and  the  fixed  ear,  tell  the  tale  so 
plainly,  that  the  muscles  of  the  head  and  neck  are  be- 
yond the  control  of  the  animal,  else  his  jaw  or  mouth 
would  not  be  kept  closed. 

Treatment.  —  Remove  the  painfully-stricken  animal 
into  a  place  by  himself,  where  he  will  have  plenty  of  air, 
and  no  sound  or  sight  to  disturb  him,  and  where  no  curi- 
ous idler  can  enter.     Place  a  bucket  of  cold,  thin  gruel 


LOCKED    JAW.  123 

where  the  horse  can  get  at  it,  without  an  effort  to  him- 
self to  reach  it.  This  is  all  the  feed  he  will  be  likely 
enabled  to  take  for  a  period  of  from  three  to  sixteen 
days.  Renew  it  once  a  day,  and  keep  it  sweet.  He 
may  be  able  to  suck  this  through  his  teeth.  Small, 
choice  morsels  of  other  food  should  also  be  placed  within 
his  reach,  so  as  no  opportunity  be  lost  whereby  his  sto- 
mach may  be  filled,  and  his  overtaxed  strength  be  sup- 
ported. 

In  securing  the  gruel  or  other  feed,  have  every  thing 
at  hand,  so  that  only  one  journey  will  be  necessary  in 
the  twenty-four  hours  to  the  place  he  is  confined  in. 
Open  not  the  door  of  his  house  twice  when  once  can  be 
made  to  answer :  thus  much  suffering  may  be  avoided,  and 
the  chances  of  recovery  enhanced.  All  the  medicine  ne- 
cessary for  the  horse  to  have,  will  be  one  drachm  doses 
once  in  the  twenty-four  hours  of  prussic  acid.  Great 
care  will  have  to  be  exercised  in  keeping  this  powerful 
poison ;  and  considerable  judgment  as  to  how  this  medi- 
cine is  to  be  given  to  an  animal  with  his  jaws  closed. 
Gextly  elevate  the  head  a  little  to  insure  proper  gravi- 
tation, and  pour  the  acid  into  the  widest  part  between 
the  teeth,  and  hold  the  head  steadily  for  a  few  minutes ; 
then  retire,  and  close  the  door,  not  a  loud  word  being 
spoken.  A  table  or  dessert  spoon  will  answer  for  the 
purpose  very  well.  Veterinary  surgeons  have  an  elastic 
tube,  which  is  introduced  into  the  back  part  of  the  mouth, 
and  the  acid  poured  down  -the  tube. 

If  the  animal  live  from  three  to  four  days,  he  may  get 
well  with  such  treatment,  if  we  give  him  every  opportu- 
nity to  eat  a  little.  Whatever  wounds  or  injuries  that 
have  given  rise  to  the  lock  jaw,  should  be  dressed  with 
equal  portions  of  olive  oil  and  creasote,  which  will  soothe 


124  DISEASES   OP    THE    HORSE. 

the  irritated  nerves  of  the  part.     An  occasional  poultice 
of  flaxseed  may  be  necessary. 

Above  all  things  neither  bleed  nor  physick,  as  these 
can  do  no  good,  and  will  only  hasten  the  death  of  the 
animal  by  taking  away  whatever  strength  he  may  have, 
all  of  which  will  be  necessary  to  carry  him  through  so 
severe  a  disease. 

Loins. — Sprain  of  the  loins  or  small  of  the  back,  is 
sometimes  seen  in  weakly  built  horses  of  irritable  dispo- 
sition. 

Symptom. — Weakness  upon  pressure,  as  of  a  saddle 
horse  yielding  to  the  rider,  when  mounting  the  horse. 

Treatment. — Warm  water  cloths  laid  over  the  parts  for 
a  few  days,  followed  in  the  same  manner  by  cold-water 
cloths.  Rest  and  good  feed,  and  use  the  horse  in  the 
shafts  of  a  light  four-wheeled  carriage,  or  in  double 
harness.  Saddle  work  may  be  the  means  of  its  return, 
more  especially  if  ridden  by  a  heavy  person. 

Loss  of  Appetite, — This  is  more  of  a  symptom  than 
a  disease,  and  requires  for  its  removal  the  cause  which 
gave  rise  to  it.  In  cold,  influenza  and  fever,  the  appetite 
is  bad,  and  with  their  removal  the  appetite  will  be  re- 
stored. Powdered  Carbonate  of  Ammonia,  Pimenta 
Berries,  Gentian  root,  each  two  drachms,  mixed  and 
given  twice  in  the  day,  mixed  in  some  cold  gruel,  and 
drench  the  animal.  This  will  not  only  remove  in  a 
measure  the  cause,  but  will  restore  the  appetite  also. 

Lumbago. — This  is  applied  to  a  peculiar  stiffness 
over  the  loins  or  back,  partaking  of  the  nature  of  rheu- 
matism, (which  see.) 

Lungs. — These  are  the  organs  of  breathing,  and  are 


I>^  CO  to  1-1 

tZOOO 


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LUNG   FEVER.  125 

subject  to  many  diseases,  having  names  familiar  to  every 
horseman.  Under  this  head,  however,  I  will  only  notice 
inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the  lungs,  ^;?ze2(7?207im, 
(lung  fever,)  and  of  the  surface  of  the  lung,  pleurisy,  ab- 
scess, adhesion,  and  congestion.  (See  Cough,  Cold, 
Bronchitis  and  Emphysema.) 

(1.) — Pneumonia. — {Pronounced  numonia.) — This  is 
an  inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the  lungs,  of  late 
years  called  lung  fever,  and  is  sometimes  very  common 
in  the  spring  after  a  severe  winter. 

Symptoins. — Chill  followed  by  fever  and  increased  for 
a  short  time,  and  is  succeeded  by  cold  legs  and  ears, 
quickened  breathing,  and  wide,  open  nostrils.  A  pecu- 
liar quivering  of  the  muscles  of  the  side  and  breast  will 
be  observed  in  all  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  and 
will  rarely  deceive.  The  animal  will  eat  nothing,  and 
persistently  stands  with  his  nose  and  mouth  in  the  man- 
ger ;  and  if  taken  out  of  the  stall  and  stable  to  the  open 
air,  he  will  almost  refuse  to  go  back  again  into  the  sta- 
ble, relief  being  experienced  from  the  fresh  air.  Hence, 
the  necessity  for  plenty  of  fresh  air  in  all  diseases  of  the 
lungs.  When  the  ear  is  applied  to  the  side  of  the  neck, 
a  peculiar  creaking  noise  is  heard.  Slight  discharge  of 
serous  flakes  or  matter  will  be  observed  sticking  to  the 
sides  of  the  nose.  If  this  disease  be  not  subdued  or 
cured,  it  ends  in  abscess.  The  peculiar  pulsations  ob- 
served in  this  and  other  diseases,  will  be  found  treated  of 
in  the  introductory  remarks.  To  the  non-professional 
person,  the  general  aspect  or  appearance  of  the  horse, 
when  under  this  disease,  is  of  infinite  more  importance  as 
a  rule  and  guide  in  determining  the  seat  and  nature  of  the 
disease,  than  from  any  assistance  they  can  gain  from  the 
pulse. 


126  DISEASES   OP    THE   HORSE. 

Cause, — Alterations  and  sudden  changes  in  heat,  cold, 
and  moisture.  An  animal  not  in  condition  for  work.  A 
hereditary  predisposition  in  the  lungs  to  take  on  disease. 
Changes  which  will  produce  lung  disease  in  one  horse, 
will  produce  disease  of  a  different  character  in  another. 

Treatment. — Place  the  horse  in  a  light  and  airy  place, 
and  clothe  him  according  to  the  weather.  Bandages 
to  the  legs  will  at  all  seasons  be  necessary  to  keep 
them  warm,  and  to  that  extent  relieve  the  lungs  of  a  por- 
tion of  blood.  Aconite  judiciously  given,  is  the  most 
powerful  remedy  I  am  acquainted  with.  Tartar  Emetic, 
so  valuable  in  this  disease  in  man,  dogs  and  swine,  has 
no  effect  whatever,  upon  either  horses,  sheep  or  cat- 
tle, than  so  much  flour  or  meal.  Then  give  twenty-five 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root,  in  a  cupfull  of  cold 
water,  and  drench  the  hor.se.  Repeat  the  dose  every 
four  hours,  till  six  doses  are  given.  In  the  majority  of 
cases,  one  to  two  doses  will  be  all  that  is  required  to  per- 
fect the  cure. 

(2)  Pleuhisy. — Inflammation  of  the  membrane 
covering  the  lungs  and  lining  the  cavity  of  the  chest. 

Symptom. — A  rigor  or  chill,  fever,  disinclination  to 
turn  short,  an  occasional  short  painful  cough,  and  careful 
breathing,  accompanied  with  a  sigh  or  grunt.  A  pecu- 
liar line  will  be  observed  in  pleurisy,  running  from  the 
haunch,  round  the  belly  to  the  breast-bone.  The  breath- 
ing is  deep,  not  so  short  and  quick  as  in  inflammation  of 
the  lungs.  In  the  first  twenty-four  hours  from  the 
attack,  pain  will  have  given  way,  and  the  horse  be  appa- 
rently better.  This  in  the  majority  of  cases  of  pleurisy, 
when  left  a  few  hours  to  itself  and  not  checked,  terminates 
in  HydrotJioraXy  (which  see^)  or  water  or  serum  in  the 


LUNG   FEVER.  127 

chest,  sometimes  causing  adhesions.  The  favourable  ter- 
mination of  pleurisy  is  by  what  is  called  resolution. 

Causes. — Changes  in  the  atmosphere.  Exposure  to 
cold.     Broken  ribs  or  wounds. 

Treatment. — Treat  the  horse  as  for  inflammation  of 
the  lungs,  by  pure  air ;  cold  water  and  aconite  followed 
on  the  second  day  by  five  grains  of  powdered  Spanish 
fly  in  gruel,  once  in  the  twenty-four  hours.  To  remove 
the  fluids  from  the  body,  give  after  the  active  stage  of  the 
disease  has  passed,  good  feeding  and  generous  diet. 

(3.)  Abscess, — As  elsewhere  stated,  abscess  is  the  termi- 
nation of  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  Pus  is  a  common 
result  of  inflammatory  action,  and  when  in  the  lungs  is 
called  vomicae^  causing  in  some  cases  consumption,  and 
where  absorption  of  the  pus  has  taken  place,  glanders  is 
the  result. 

The  abscess  frequently  breaks  into  the  bronchial  tubes 
and  then  pus  escapes  into  the  larynx  and  nares  of  the 
nose;  hence  the  persistent  discharge  which  is  so  charac- 
teristic of  glanders. 

Treatment. — The  same  as  for  glanders,  generous  diet, 
tonics  and  stimulants,  with  soda  sulphite  and  the 
Spanish  fly.     (See  Glanders.) 

(4.)  Effusion  of  Serum. — Hydrothorax  is  one  of  the 
ways  in  which  pleurisy  terminates,  and  when  this  efi*usion 
is  extensive,  not  much  hope  of  recovery  may  be  expect- 
ed. Cures,  however,  have  been  made  by  drawing  ofi"  the 
fluid  by  means  of  a  trocar  piercing  through  between  the 
ribs  into  the  chest. 

(5.)  Adhesions, — The  surface  of  the  lungs  become 
attached  to  the  sides  of  the  chest,  by  fibrous  bands  of  great 
strength,  another  common  result  of  pleurisy.     Nothing 


128  DISEASES   OP    THE   HORSE. 

can  be  done  but  to  keep  up  tbe  health  and  strength  by 
good  feeding,  etc. 

When  animals  do  not  thrive  and  pick  up  their  spirits 
and  flesh  after  cases  of  pleurisy,  some  of  these  various 
conditions  may  be  reasonably  expected  to  be  present. 

(6.)  Congestion  op  the. — The  lungs  are  hable 
to  become  congested^  when  they  are  over  charged  with 
blood. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  blows,  his  nostrils  are  very 
much  expanded,  heaving  at  the  flanks.  The  horse  is  the 
picture  of  distress  and  stupidity. 

Cause. — Weakness  and  want  of  power  in  the  blood 
vessels  to  contract  and  empty  themselves. 

Treatment. — Allow  free  access  to  cool  air,  and  clothe 
the  body  and  bandage  the  legs  to  encourage  the  blood  to 
the  skin  and  legs,  and  give  the  following  mixture  ;  Sweet 
Spirits  of  nitre,  half  an  ounce  ;  Powdered  Carbonate  of 
Ammonia,  half  an  ounce :  mix  in  a  bottle  of  cold  gruel 
in  the  form  of  a  drink.  If  these  articles  are  not  at 
hand,  give  two  bottles  of  warm  ale,  or  a  half  bottle  of 
brandy  or  whiskey. 

(7.)  Pneumothorax. — So  called  because  the  air 
escapes  into  the  cavities  of  the  pleura. 

Lymph. — Is  a  name  applied  to  the  clear  fluid  which 
circulates  in  the  lymphatic  vessels  and  that  which  is  poured 
out  in  cut  surfaces,  after  bleeding  has  stopped,  and  forms 
the  medium  by  which  the  parts  adhere,  and  are  joined 
together.  In  this  instance  it  is  termed  coagulable  lymph, 
the  principal  element  by  which  adhesive  inflammation  is 
carried  on. 

Madness. — A  disease  produced  by  the  bite  of  a  mad 
dog.     (See  Hydrophobia.) 


MALLENDERS.  129 

Mad  Staggers. — An  affection  of  the  brain.  (See 
Staggers.) 

Maggots. — These  are  sometimes  seen  in  neglected 
wounds  and  sores,  in  warm  weather.  To  remove  them, 
apply  equal  parts  of  creosote  and  olive  oil,  or  a  solution  of 
corrosive  sublimate. 

Malignant. — A  term  applied  to  diseases  of  a  fatal 
character ;  as  glanders,  for  instance.  Why  the  term  ma- 
lignant should  not  be  applied  to  such  a  disease  as  locked- 
jaw,  or  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  which  are  so  often 
fatal,  is  one  of  the  inexpli  cables  of  medical  nosology  or 
terminology,  not  easily  for  me  to  understand. 

Malignant  Epidemic- — English  writers  tell  us  that 
a  malignant  epidemic  has  attacked  horses  on  the  Euro- 
pean Continent.  Influenza  is  a  disease  from  which  scarcely 
one  per  cent  should  die  when  scientifically  and  intelli- 
gently treated;  but  by  bleeding,  blistering,  physicking, 
and  low  diet,  a  really  simple  and  non-fatal  disease,  is  at 
once  converted  into  a  fatal  and  malignant  epidemic. 

Mallenders. — A  term  used  by  old  books  and  horse 
doctors,  to  a  scaly  condition  of  the  skin  of  the  back  part 
of  the  leg,  opposite  to  the  knee.  A  term  which  cer- 
tainly, to  say  the  least,  should  long  ago  have  been  blot- 
ted out  of  all  the  books,  as  vague,  uncertain,  unmeaning. 
It  is  sad,  to  think  of  the  low  condition  of  the  mind  of  the 
genius  horse  doctor. 

This  scaly  eruption  is  the  result  of  dryness  of  the 
skin  of  the  back  part  of  the  leg,  where  the  greatest  and 
almost  constant  movement  of  the  joint  is  going  on.  The 
same  condition  is  seen  on  the  face  of  some  joints,  and  in 
others  the  back,  from  the  constant  mobility  of  the  parts. 


130  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Who  has  not  seen  scruffy  or  scaly  heels  of  horses 
ending  with  scratches  ?     (See  Skin  Diseases.) 

Mange. — Is  a  disease  of  the  skin,  and  is  caused  by  a 
small  mite  called  acari,  which  breed  and  burrow  in  the 
skin.  To  cure  mange,  destroy  the  insect.  (See  Skin 
Diseases.) 

Materia  Medica. — This  is  a  name  used  or  applied  to 
every  substance  used  in  the  treatment  and  cure  of  disease. 

Megrims- — A  disease  of  the  brain  occurring  at  pe- 
riods, especially  in  hot  weather,  and  when  exposed  to  a 
powerful  sun.  This  differs  from  epilepsy  only  in  the  ab- 
sence of  spasms.     (See  Epilepsy.) 

Causes. — Tumours  in  the  choroid  plexus,  and  enlarge- 
ment of  the  pineal  gland. 

Treatment, — Merely  palliation,  by  using  a  dutch  collar, 
80  as  not  to  interfere  with  the  circulation  of  the  blood 
from  the  head. 

Observe. — In  summer,  the  horses  subject  to  brain  di- 
sease, or  fits  of  any  kind,  should  not  be  used  for  family 
purposes.     In  winter  they  will  make  useful  animals. 

Melanosis- — A  variety  of  cancer  peculiar  to  gray 
horses,  which  turns  white  with  age,  and  is  caused  by  the 
transfer  of  the  coloring  pigment  from  the  skin  to  the 
blood.     (See  Cancer.) 

Melanoid. — (See  Cancer  and  Tumours.) 

Mesentery- — A  membrane  formed  of  two  folds  of 
the  peritoneum,  and  between  each  there  are  numerous 
glands,  lacteals,  lymphatics,  arteries,  veins  and  nerves. 
It  is  called  the  mesentery,  because  it  adheres  to  three 
lumbar  vertebrae,  and  has  the  small  intestines  hanging  to 
it.     One  portion  of  it  is  called  the  mesocolon — supporter 


MOUTH   DISEASES.  131 

of  the  colon,  and  another  the  mesorectunij  which  encloses 
the  rectum. 

Mesenterica. — Wasting  of  the  mesentery  is  a  di- 
sease which  is  not  very  common  to  horses,  although  some 
clearly  marked  cases  are  sometimes  seen,  characterized 
by  wasting  of  the  body,  weakness,  and  general  debility  of 
the  whole  system.  Bowels  irregular: — sometimes  8oft, 
at  other  times  hard,  and  of  a  pale  or  straw  color,  and  fre- 
quently of  bad  smell.  All  that  can  be  done  is  to  keep 
the  strength  and  condition  of  the  horse  up  by  iron  and 
gentian,  which  is  so  often  recommended  throughout  the 
book. 

Metastasis. — A  term  denoting  a  change  or  shifting 
of  disease  from  one  part  of  the  body  to  another,  which  is 
so  well  illustrated  in  cases  of  rheumatism. 

Moon  Blindness. — (See  Eye  Diseases.) 
Mortification. — Death  of  a  part,     (See  Gangrene.) 
Moribund. — A  term  in  use,  and  applied  when  man  or 
animals  are  in  a  dying  condition. 

Mouth  Diseases  Of. — These  are  but  few;  perhaps 
the  irregularities  of  the  teeth  are  the  most  important ;  so 
much  is  this  the  case,  that  from  diseased  or  carious  teeth, 
an  affection,  to  many  external  appearances,  is  similar  to 
glanders;  and  horses  have  accordingly  been  destroyed, 
whereas,  if  a  carious  tooth,  producing  a  stinking  dis- 
charge from  the  nose  had  l3een  removed,  these  appear- 
ances would  have  passed  off.  The  edges  of  the  teeth  of 
horses,  at  all  ages,  are  apt  to  become  sharp,  and  cut  or 
wound  the  inside  of  the  mouth,  and  interfere  with  mas- 
tication or  chewing.  When  horses  are  off  of  their  feed 
and  losing  flesh,  it  will  be  well  to  have  the  teeth  examined. 


132  DISEASES    OP    THE    HORSE. 

To  remedy  any  irregularity  of  the  grinders,  a  rasp  or  file, 
with  a  concave  surface  and  long  handle,  is  used  to  make 


MOUTH   OR   TOOTH  RASP, 


the  teeth  smooth  and  level.     Wolf  teeth  are  supernumer- 
ary, but  do  no  injury  to  either  the  mouth  or  the  eyes. 

1.  Scald  Mouth. — Another  simple  afi'ection  of  the 
mouth,  and  is  characterized  by  the  horse  slobbering  or 
frothing  from  the  mouth,  as  if  salivated.  In  aggravated 
cases  fever  is  present. 

Treatment.— Give  ten  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite 
root  in  a  little  cold  water  three  times  in  the  day,  for  48 
hours,  and  allow  the  horse  to  have  a  bucket  of  cold  water 
suspended  or  placed  before  him,  to  cool  his  mouth  in. 

2.  Wounds  of  the  Tongue — Will  be  treated  the  same 
way,  but  without  the  aconite.  If  the  tongue  is  nearly 
cut  through,  have  the  cut  portion  entirely  removed.  The 
horse  can  do  wonderfully  well  without  a  large  part  of  his 
tongue. 

3.  Black  Tongue. — This  is  not  a  disease,  but  the  effects 
of  a  simple  and  non-fatal  affection,  treated  by  bleeding, 
blistering  and  physicking,  destroying  vitality,  and  in- 
ducing mortification  of  the  tongue,  as  well  as  of  other 
portions  of  the  body. 

4.  Thrush. — Soreness  of  the  mouth,  with  white  patches 
on  the  tongue,  inside  the  cheeks  and  roof  of  the  mouth. 
In  man,  this  condition  of  the  mouth  is  called  stomatitis. 

Causes. — Bad  condition  of  the  stomach  and  dyspepsia. 

Treatment. — Borax  in  powder,  one  ounce;  molasses, 

three  ounces ;  mix,  and  apply  with  a  soft  brush,  or  soft 


NARCOTICS.  133 

piece  of  cloth.  Give  soft  feed  or  cut  grass.  A  few  doses 
of  sulphite  of  soda,  half  an  ounce  to  a  dose,  given  for  a 
few  evenings,  will  be  all  that  is  wanted.     (See  Lampas.) 

The  mouth  is  a  favourite  and  convenient  place  for 
horsemen  to  try  the  keenness  of  their  pocket  knives,  when 
the  least  pretext  is  oifered. 

The  palatial  artery  is  sometimes  cut  lengthwise ;  and 
when  that  is  the  case,  the  bleeding  thus  unnecessarily 
induced,  will  not  stop  when  it  is  wanted.  Many  plans 
and  contrivances  are  recommended  by  individuals,  how 
to  stop  such  bleeding;  but  none  are  equal  to  a  piece  of 
iron  or  kitchen-poker  immersed  for  a  few  minutes  in  hot 
water,  and  applied  to  the  wound  for  a  moment,  which 
will  at  once  stop  further  loss  of  blood. 

Mucus- — A  thick,  viscid  substance,  thrown  out  from 
the  mucous  membrane,  throughout  the  body. 

Mucous  Membrane. — A  thin  lining  of  all  the  air 

passages;  so-called,  because  the  surface  is  kept  moist, 
with  a  slimy  matter,  as  referred  to  in  the  article  abov  e 
When  this  mucos  is  altered  in  quantity  and  quality,  and 
when  mucous-pus  is  poured  out,  disease  is  present.  This 
is  seen  in  cases  of  cold,  bronchitis  and  inflammation  of 
the  eyes,  (which  see.) 

Myalgia. — A  term  given  to  inflammation  of  a  set  of 
muscles,  and  is  applied  by  some,  to  wasting  of  the  muscles, 
as  is  sometimes  seen  in  sweenie,  (which  see.) 

Narcotics  are  medicines^  which  act  upon  the  nervous 
system,  diminishing  its  power  and  sensibility,  and  so  re- 
lieving inflammation,  irritation,  and  pain.  A  medicine 
capable  of  doing  this  also  produces  the  properties  of  an 
anodyne,  a  sedative,  soporific,  carminative,  and  nauseant. 

There  are  but  few  medicines  possessing  this  power  over 


134  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

the  horse,  and  these  are,  aconite,  prussic  acid,  veratrum, 
and  perhaps  lobelia.  In  my  practice,  nothing  answers 
the  purpose  so  well  as  aconite.  It  is  the  great  antiphlo- 
gistic. Indeed,  so  great  is  its  power,  that  in  bronchitis, 
inflammation  of  the  lungs,  feet,  and  bowels,  or  where 
there  is  pain  and  fever,  no  remedy  or  remedies  can 
compare  with  this  invaluable  medicine  in  the  treatment 
of  diseases  of  the  horse.  (See  Medicines  and  Prescrip- 
tions.) 

Nasal  Gleet. — A  thin,  transparent  discharge  from 
the  nose.     (See  Gleet.) 

Navicular  Disease. — This  is  a  disease  commonly 
called  coffin-joint  lameness,  and  by  some  it  is  termed 
grogginess.     (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Necrosis.-^-This  is  a  term  given  to  a  dead  bone  when 
it  is  attached  to  a  sound  one.  The  difference  between 
caries  and  necrosis  is  this: — Caries  is  present  when  the 
bone  is  impaired  only,  and  necrosis  when  the  bone  is  en- 
tirely dead,  and  its  functions  have  entirely  ceased.  When 
a  bone  has  fallen  into  the  condition  of  necrosis,  its  re- 
moval becomes  as  necessary  as  the  removal  of  any  other 
dead  or  foreign  matter  in  order  that  reparation  and  re- 
storation of  the  function  be  repaired,  and  a  cure  be 
made. 


uston's  bone  forceps. 


Nephritis. — A  technical  term  applied  to  inflamma- 
tion of  the  kidneys,  (which  see.) 


NEUROTOMY.  135 

Nervousness.  —  Few  persons  having  the  care  of 
horses  have  failed  to  observe  occasionally  horses  with  a 
peculiar  excitability  of  disposition,  when  any  excitement 
and  noise  is  going  on,  and  when  being  harnessed  for 
work.  The  tail  somewhat  elevated,  moving  from  one 
side  of  the  stall  to  the  other,  and  passing  manure  from 
him  repeatedly  every  few  minutes,  until  one  would 
think  that  there  was  nothing  left  in  his  bowels.  These 
animals  are  usually  light-bellied  and  poor  feeders,  but 
fleet  and  free  goers,  and  very  gay  in  saddle  or  har 
ness,  and  much  admired  by  persons  not  versed  in  horse- 
flesh. They  make  excellent  Sunday  horses,  but  poor 
every  day  animals,  as  the  constant  excitement  when  at 
work  overdoes  their  physical  powers.  This  condition 
impairs  the  value  of  the  horse  very  much. 

Treatment. — Keep  nervous  horses  in  a  place  by  them- 
selves, where  there  is  no  noise  or  sound  to  disturb  them, 
and  have  no  harness  or  saddles  in  the  place  with  them, 
nor  clean  harness  or  saddles  where  they  are;  for  when- 
ever a  piece  of  harness  is  seen  in  the  hands  of  the  groom, 
the  animal  expects  it  is  to  be  put  upon  him,  and  hence 
he  gets  excited,  and  efforts  are  made  to  empty  the  bow- 
els of  their  contents.  The  harnessing  or  saddling  should 
be  the  last  thing  that  should  be  done  before  going  out 
with  such  a  horse,  as  it  gives  him  no  time  to  empty  the 
bowels  and  become  excited.  Ten  grains  of  opium,  and  a 
drachm  or  two  of  prepared  chalk  may  be  given,  either 
half  an  hour  before  going  out,  or  after  he  comes  in. 
Such  horses  are  more  pleasant  to  drive,  if  this  be  given. 

Neurotomy. — An  operation  for  dividing  the  nerves 
of  feeling,  as  they  enter  the  foot  on  both  sides  of  the 
leg.  The  operation  is  performed  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
moving pain  from  the  foot  in  navicular  disease.     The 


136  DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 

operation,  however,  ha?  of  late  years  fallen  into  disre- 
pute on  account  of  ignorant  men  operating  indiscrimi- 
nately on  feet  of  all  forms  and  shapes  alike;  and,  conse- 
quently, no  surprise  should  be  expressed,  when  in  some 
of  these  cases  the  feet  ultimately  fall  off. 

Neurotomy  should  never  be  performed  upon  flat  and 
weak-footed  horses,  as  they  are  easily  bruised  and  sup- 
puration is  set  up,  and  separation  of  the  outer  and  inner 
foot  structures.  Weak  and  flat-footed  horses  when  sound, 
are  careful  how  they  put  their  feet  upon  hard  roads  and 
paved  streets;  but  when  deprived  of  all  feeling  by  the 
operation  of  neurotomy,  they  let  their  feet  come  down 
on  the  ground  with  great  force,  so  as  to  injure  the  foot, 
resulting,  as  before  stated,  by  the  hoof  falling  off. 

Nose,  Diseases  of. — (See  Cold,  Catarrh,  and  Bron- 
chitis.) 

Numbness. — Loss  of  feeling  in  any  part,  usually 
indicating  disease  of  the  brain,  resulting  in  paralysis  or 
palsy. 

Obesity. — This  is  a  term  applied  to  morbid  or  un- 
healthy fatness.  When  this  condition  is  in  the  mesen- 
tary,  it  produces  big  belly;  in  the  liver,  fatty  liver;  in 
the  heart,  fatty  degeneration  of  that  organ. 

Causes. — Little  or  no  work,  or  exercise  disproportion- 
ate between  the  amount  of  food  taken  and  the  waste. 

Treatment. — Constant  and  regular  work ;  feed  in  small 
bulk  oats  instead  of  corn,  and  not  much  hay.  To  animals 
inclining  to  take  on  too  much  fat  and  flesh,  give  a  dose 
of  physick  (see  Aloes,  Medicines  and  Prescriptions)  oc- 
casionally, but  do  not  bleed. 

QSdema. — A  term  signifying  soft  and  not  inflamma- 
tory swellings  of  various  parts  of  the  body,  as  a  sequel 


OVERREACH.  137 

to  debilitating  diseases.  These  swellings  contain  serum 
thrown  out  from  the  blood.  The  treatment  of  this  affec- 
tion will  be  the  removal  of  the  exciting  cause.  (See 
Dropsy.) 

(Estromania. — This  name  is  by  some  called  oesten- 
ing,  which  name  is  applied  to  mares  and  cows  when  de- 
siring the  male. 

Omentum. — A  fold  of  the  peritoneum,  which  hangs 
down  from  the  stomach,  and  is  reflected  on  itself  upwards 
and  backwards  to  the  colon.  It  is  in  this  where  the 
great  deposition  of  fat  takes  place.  The  omentum  is 
often  implicated  in  rupture. 

'Open  Joints. — (See  Broken  Knees.) 

Opthalmia. — (See  Eye  Diseases.) 

Ossification. — The  formation  of  bone;  but  in  the 
language  of  medical  men,  it  means  a  deposition  of  earthy 
matter  in  the  soft  textures  of  the  body  where  bone  does 
not  exist.  Thus,  for  instance,  we  speak  of  ossification 
of  the  lateral  cartiliges  of  the  foot,. which  form  ring- 
bone. We  have  ossification  of  the  heart,  arteries,  and  of 
other  parts  of  the  body. 

Osteology. — A  name  used  in  speaking  of  the  bony 
system. 

Osteoporosis. — This  is  a  name  given  to  big  head, 
(which  see.) 

Ostitis.— (See  Splint.)    , 

Overreach. — This  is  the  consequence  of  driving  faster 
than  the  horse  can  go.  The  injury  is  generally  done  by 
the  edge  of  the  inner  rim  of  the  shoe.  Avoid  the  cause, 
and  treat  the  wound  with  the  simple  ointment.  (See 
Prescriptions  and  Medicines.) 


138  DISEASES    OF   THE    HORSE. 

Ozena. — (See  Gleet.) 

Palliatives. — Medicines  given  not  to  cure  disease  but 
to  relieve  the  symptoms  of  pain. 

Paralysis — Palsy. — Loss  of  the  power  of  moving 
in  some  parts  of  the  body.  Paralysis  may  be  confined 
to  one  leg  or  two  legs,  then  it  is  called  partial.  AVhen 
the  horse  has  lost  the  power  of  standing,  and  the 
four  legs  are  afi'ected,  then  it  is  complete.  Usually  how- 
ever in  the  horse  it  is  confined  to  the  hind  parts,  or  the 
haunches  and  legs.  Sometimes  the  paralysed  part  is 
numb,  at  others  the  sense  of  feeling  remain. 

Causes. — Disease  in  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 

Treatment. — If  the  patient  is  young,  exercise 
patience  and  time,  and  nature  will  do  a  great  deal  in  a 
disease  of  this  kind.  The  general  health  is  to  be  kept 
up  by  good  feeding  and  tonic  medicine,  as  fifteen  drops 
of  the  tincture  of  nux  vomica,  four^times  in  the  twenty- 
four  hours.  Turn  the  horse  from  side  to  side  twice  in 
the  day,  and  give  plenty  of  dry  clean  bedding,  to  pre- 
vent the  skin  from  scalding  and  peeling  ofi"  w^hich  is 
sometimes  a  source  of  great  irritation  to  the  poor  horse. 
The  paralysed  parts  should  be  well  rubbed  with  a  stiff 
brush.  Electricity  has  been  thought  of  advantage  in 
this  disease,  but  from  what  I  have  seen,  not  much  need 
be  expected  from  it.  The  nux  vomica  offers  with  good 
feeding  and  care,  the  best  chance  for  recovery.  It  must 
be  remembered  that  this  is  a  nervous  affection,  and 
probably  these  diseases  are  not  so  managable  nor  are 
they  so  easily  cured  as  other  afi'ections  of  a  different 
type. 

Parotid  Duet,  Distended, — This  is  a  rare  afi'ection 


PATHOLOGY. 


139 


in  horses,  it  resembles  a  round  ball  attached  to  the 
edge  of  the  lower  jaw,  an  elastic  encysted  tumour 
or  rather  like  an  encysted  tumour.  When  I  was  called  in 
to  see  a  horse,  which  proved  to  be  so  effected,  and  telling 
the  gentlemen  that  so  long  as  the  ball  did  not  break,  it 
would  do  the  horse  no  injury,  and  that  I  would  not  re- 
commend its  removal,  he  said  he  would  give  five  hundred 
dollars  if  the  horse  had  another  on  the  other  side,  then 
he  would  look  like  an  Angora  goat. 

Parotid  Duct— Open  and  Fistulous.— This  is  a 
serious  affection,  for  every  movement  of  the  jaw  in 
chewing  or  masticating  the  feed  the  glands  pour  out  the 
saliva  which  should  mix  with  the  feed,  and  assist  in  the 
act  of  digestion,  but  on  the  contrary  is  poured  upon 
the  ground  and  is  thus  lost.  The  animal  becomes 
thin  of  flesh,  gets  weak  and  after  a  time  dies  a  miserable 
object. 

Causes.— Injuries,  or  accident  to  the  gland,  or  its 
duct  resulting  in  suppuration  and  from  the  mobility  of 
the  parts,  fistula  is  established. 

Treatment— Fevf  horse  doctors  or  farmers  can  cure 
this  affection.  An  expert  or  accomplished  surgeon  is 
only  able  to  effect  a  cure,  and  this  will  be  by  closing  the 
open  or  fistulous  duct  so  that  the  saliva  will  with  the  feed 
find  its  way  into  the  stomach. 

India  rubber  dissolved  in  chloroform,  applied  over  the 
mouth  of  the  wound,  when  it  is  thoroughly  dry  will  stop 
it  for  a  few  days,  and  by  continuing  this  application,  a 
cure  in  a  very  many  cases  can  be  made. 

Pathology.— A  department  of  medical  science, 
which  treats  of  the  causes  of  disease,  and  of  the  appear- 
ances of  diseased  parts  when  living  or  dead. 


140  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

Patella,  Dislocation  of. — This  is  a  common  occur- 
rence in  high  spirited,  nervous  and  weakly  horses. 

Symptom. — The  horse  stops,  if  at  work,  and  throws 
up  his  head,  with  the  pastern  of  the  dislocated  leg, 
slightly  bent,  and  the  leg  held  back  behind  the  body  and 
is  unable  to  bring  it  under  it.  Fever  and  irritation 
sometimes  accompanies  this  accident,  more  especially  if 
it  is  of  rare  occurrence  in  that  animal.  The  oftner  the 
patella  has  been  out  the  less  fever  and  irritation  will  be 
seen.  There  are  horses  with  which  its  of  frequent 
occurrence,  and  happily  for  them,  there  is  just  as 
little  trouble  in  putting  the  leg  in  its  place  again,  a 
crack  of  the  whip  will  do  it  sometimes.  This  is  a 
serious  object,  in  an  otherwise  fancy  horse.  There  is 
but  one  other  affection  of  the  hind  leg  which  can  be  mis- 
taken for  it,  and  that  is  cramp.     (Which  See.) 

Treatment. — Remove  the  horse  to  a  stable,  and  attach 
a  rope  to  the  pastern  of  the  leg  which  is  dislocated,  and 
carry  the  end  of  the  rope  through  a  ring  or  over  a  beam 
at  or  about  the  horse's  head,  and  place  the  end  of  the 
rope  in  the  hand  of  one  or  two  strong  men,  telling  them 
not  to  pull  till  a  man  is  placed  at  the  head  of  the  horse 
to  keep  him  steady,  and  another  man  at  the  leg  with  one 
hand  placed  firmly  on  the  point  of  the  hock  joint  pulling 
towards  himself,  with  the  other  pushing  firmly  against 
the  dislocated  joint,  then  the  men  on  the  rope  will  pull 
firmly  and  gently,  till  the  foot  is  brought  fair  in  under  the 
horse's  body,  after  which  the  rope  is  to  be  removed  and 
the  horse  kept  quiet  for  a  day  or  two. 

Pasterns. — (See  Sprains.) 

Pelvis. — The  anotamical  name  for  the  lower  part  of 
the  abdomen  or  belly. 


PELVIC   ABSCESS.  141 

Pelvic  Abscess. — This  condition  is  sometimes  seen 
in  weakly  constitutioned  mares  within  a  few  days  after 
foaling. 

Symptom. — In  from  one  to  four  days  one  of  the  thighs 
of  the  hind  legs  will  be  swollen,  hot  and  painful,  causing 
the  mare  to  shiver  or  appear  chilly,  not  from  cold  but 
from  the  suppurative  inflammatory  action  going  on.  The 
milk  will  have  almost  entirely  ceased  to  be,  and  the  colt 
will  have  to  be  fed  by  the  bottle  as  a  child,  or  out  of  a 
bucket  like  a  calf,  till  the  mare  is  cured  and  the  milk 
returns.  One  curious  condition  about  pelvic  abscess 
although  it  suppurates  the  abscess  does  not  break  usually 
on  the  thigh  as  it  would  be  expected  to  do,  but  it  breaks 
within  an  inch  or  two  from  the  haunch  bone. 

Treatment. — The  pus  which  has  accumulated  from  so 
large  an  abscess,  does  not  discharge  itself  from  the  place 
of  opening,  but  burrows  away  down  among  the  muscles 
of  the  hip  and  thigh,  down  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the 
hock  itself.  Hence  the  great  secret  in  the  treatment  of 
pelvic  abscess  is  to  make  two  free  openings,  one  above  at 
the  point  of  the  soft  abscess,  and  the  other  from  four  to 
six  inches  of  the  hock  on  the  outside  of  the  thigh.  Then 
take  a  smooth  elastic  twig  or  a  long  piece  of  whalebone 
nicely  smoothed  with  sand-paper,  and  introduce  into  the 
opening  above,  and  gently  force  it  down  to  within  an 
inch  or  so  of  the  lower  opening.  This  being  done 
the  pus  will  all  discharge  itself  from  the  lower  hole, 
then  inject  with  a  small  syringe  once  a  day,  for  a  few 
days  about  half  a  tablespoonful  of  the  following  mixture : 
oil  of  turpentine  and  olive  oil,  equal  parts.  Keep  the 
parts  clean,  and  feed  the  mare  and  colt  well,  and  leave 
nature  to  complete  the  cure. 


142  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Penis  Hanging  out. — This  a  serious  defect,  and  is 
the  result  of  weakness  and  debility.  The  organs  of  gen- 
eration are  weak,  the  sheath  swells  clasping  the  penis  in 
its  grasp,  and  it  also  becomes  enlarged  and  in  most  cases 
never  will  be  able  to  draw  it  into  its  place  again,  so  it 
will  either  have  to  remain  so  or  have  it  cut  off  close  to 
the  prepuse  or  sheath.  This  affection  and  the  opposite 
condition,  Phymosis  and  Paraphymosis  was  very  preva- 
lant  amongst  the  horses  of  the  army,  in  the  late  war. 

Peristaltic, — A  term  applied  to  the  serpentine  mo- 
tion of  the  bowels,  one  portion  contracting  and  forcing 
its  contents  onwards  into  the  next. 

Peritonitis. — Inflammation  of  the  peritoneum  or  the 
serous  membrane,  which  lines  the  walls  or  inside  of  the 
belly,  characterized  by  great  pain,  and  is  the  result  of 
accidents  or  injuries  and  from  surgical  operations. 

Treatment. — The  same  as  for  any  disease  of  an  exalt- 
ed kind  by  using  aconite  root,  cold  water  and  pure  air, 
and  after  the  pain  and  fever  have  subsided,  good  feeding. 

Periosteum, — The  thin  pearly  covering  investing  the 
bone.  It  is  the  stretch  of  this  membrane  in  cases  of 
splint  which  cause  pain  and  lameness.     (See  Splint.) 

Phagadena, — A  named  used  in  surgery,  implying  a 
spreading  and  destructive  ulcer,  which  spreads  rapidly 
and  destroys  the  surrounding  parts.  The  true  meaning 
of  this  word  is  eating,  and  in  its  effects  are  similar  to 
what  is  called  in  domestic  practice,  hospital  gangrene — 
a  local,  spontaneous  combustion,  in  which  oil  globules 
are  poured  out  in  great  quantity  in  and  around  the  sore 
or   ulcer.     In  horses  these   ulcers   are  common  on  the 


PHAGADENA.  143 

heels  and  legs  of  horses  after  a  severe  winter.  When  on 
the  heels,  the  ulcers  are  taken  by  horsemen  to  be 
scratches.  Phagadena  does  not  usually  assume  the  form 
or  appearance  of  a  cut  or  scratch,  but  is  generally  a  flat, 
round  or  oval,  and  circumscribed  sore  at  first ;  the  hair 
of  the  part  is  standing  on  end,  with  oil  drops  all  over  the 
surface,  and  in  a  few  days  the  whole  of  the  skin  and  hair 
falls  off,  or  a  separation  of  the  edges  of  the  sore  will  take 
place,  and  the  skin  and  flesh  of  the  part  will  completely 
fall  out,  (called  core)  leaving  an  unhealthy  looking  sore, 
with  a  wdiite  sanious  fluid  covering  the  whole  of  its  sur- 
face. When  the  slough  does  not  take  place,  it  is  gradually 
eaten  away,  and  in  this  case  leaves  on  the  edges  and 
surface  of  the  sore  a  thin  dirty  colored  looking  skin  or 
membrane. 

Causes. — Bad  habit  of  body,  from  impure  blood, 
death  of  the  part  from  exposure  of  the  heels  in  some 
mixture  of  salt  and  snow.  Cold  drafts  under  stable 
doors. 

Treatment. — The  complete  removal  of  all  dead  matter 
belonging  to  the  ulcer,  and  a  thorough  cleansing  of  its 
inner  surface.  This  is  important  as  it  will  not  only  be 
important  as  a  measure  of  cure,  but  as  a  surety  against 
it  spreading  further  up  the  leg  or  heels.  Then  sprinkle 
the  edges  and  inner  surface  twice  in  the  day  for  a  day  or 
two  with  powdered  blue  stone  to  destroy  the  unhealthy 
surface,  and  hasten  a  red  surface  or  the  granulatory  pro- 
cess by  which  the  hole  will  be  speedily  filled  up  again. 
Complete  the  cure  by  sprinkling  over  the  sore  with 
powdered  loaf  sugar  twice  in  the  twenty-four  hours. 
Support  the  strength  of  the  horse  by  good  and  generous 
diet.     (See  Scratches.) 


144  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

Phlebitis. — A  name  given  to  inflammation  of  the 
vein  after  bleeding  characterized  by  swelling  and  cording 
of  the  vein.     (See  Jugular  Vein.) 

Phlegmasia  Dolens. — A  name  given  to  one  leg 
when  swelled  to  a  great  extent  from  plugging  of  the 
blood  vessels  of  the  leg  with  plastic  matter  poured  into 
them  from  the  blood.     (See  Grease.) 

Phrenitis. — One  of  the  many  diseases  of  the  brain 
characterized  by  the  horse  becoming  unmanageable — a 
variety  of  staggers,  or  it  may  be  of  inflammation  of  the 
brain  itself,  and  is  incurable. 

Physiology- — A  branch  of  medical  science  treating 
of  the  life  and  functions  of  organized  bodies. 

Physicking. — In  England  and  in  some  parts  of  the 
European  continent,  a  person  who  does  not  know  how  to 
physick  a  horse,  whether  sick  or  well,  is  not  considered 
fit  to  take  care  of  horses.  In  the  United  States,  the 
man  who  knows  all  about,  and  recommends  physicking 
under  almost  any  circumstance,  should  not  be  permitted 
to  even  to  take  a  horse  by  the  head,  much  less  to  take 
care  of  horses  not  his  own.  In  an  extensive  practice 
of  many  years,  I  do  not  recollect  a  half  dozen  times, 
when  I  either  gave  or  recommended  a  horse  to  be  phy- 
sicked; and  no  man  can  show  equal  success  in  the  treat- 
ment of  disease  of  horses  and  cattle,  let  his  mode  of 
practice  be  what  it  may.  Remember,  when  the  bowels 
are  opened,  and  emptied  of  their  contents,  an  important 
pillar  has  been  taken  from  under  the  animal  structure. 
Show  me  an  European  book  on  the  diseases  of  animals, 
which  does  not  recommend  and  minutely  describe  how  to 
physick  a  horse,  and  I  will  show  you  a  city  without  walls, 


POISONS. 


145 


without  a  churcli,  or  gymnasium.  In  this  connection,  I 
am  sorry  to  say,  that  our  American  authors  on  animal 
diseases,  have  copied  too  closely  from  European  practice, 
which  is  utterly  unfit  for  this  country,  climate  and  the 
constitution  of  all  our  domestic  animals. 

Pleurisy, — Inflammation  of  the  serous  membrane 
covering  the  lungs,  and  lining  the  sides  of  the  chest. 
(See  Lung  Diseases.) 

Pleuro-pneumonia. — Inflammation  of  the  covering 

and  substance  of  the  lungs. 

Pleurodynia. — This  is  a  rheumatic  afi'ection  of  the 
intercostal  muscles,  and  diff'ering  from  pleurisy,  from 
there  being  no  constitutional  disturbance,  little  fever, 
and  no  inflammation,  and  is  treated  with  a  dose  or  two 
of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root  given  internally,  and  mus- 
tard and  a  little  vinegar  rubbed  into  the  muscles  of  the 
sides,  behind  the  shoulder. 

Plethora. — Fulness  of  blood.     (Sec  Obesity.) 

Pneumonia.  —  Inflammation  of  the  lungs,  (which 
see.) 

Poisons. 

Poisons  act  in  a  variety  of  ways  in  destroying  life, 
and  are  derived  from  the  organic  and  inorganic  king- 
doms, and  their  eff'ects  are  either  local  or  remote.  Poi- 
sons may  be  taken  into  the  stomach,  inhaled  in  the  form 
of  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and  from  the  skin  as  from  the 
bite  of  a  poisonous  animal,  or  absorbed  from  wounds. 
(See  Glanders.)     Poisons  act  in  one  of  three  ways: 

1.)  Irritant  Poisons  are  those  poisons  the  symp- 
toms of  which  are  inflammation,  irritation,  and  pain. 
Examples — arsenic,  bi-chloride  of  mercury,  lead,  baryta, 
copper,  and  the  Spanish  fly. 

10 


146  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Treatment. — The  plan  to  be  adopted  in  this  class  of 
poisons  in  the  horse,  will  be  bj  giving 'large  quantities 
of  the  white  of  eggs,  milk,  linseed  oil;  and  remove  the 
poison  as  speedily  as  possible  by  giving  large  quantities 
of  linseed  oil,  say  two  quarts.  The  horse  cannot  vomit; 
hence,  there  is  a  difficulty  in  a  prompt  evacuation  of  the 
stomach.  If  the  pain  be  great,  give  aconite  to  subdue 
it,  and  to  keep  down  inflammation  and  sympathetic  fever. 

(2.)  Narcotic  Poisons. — Poisons  which  act  on  the 
brain  and  nervous  centres,  producing  stupidity  or  coma. 

Treatment. — Give  four  grains  of  strychnia  nux  vo- 
mica in  a  few  pints  of  gruel  made  with  vinegar.  Keep 
the  horse  walking  around,  and  ^place  chopped  ice  in  a 
bag,  and  put  it  on  the  forehead. 

(3.)  Narcotic  Acid  Poisons. — Poisons  acting  as  the 
above,  and  causing  irritation,  inflammation,  fever,  and 
pain.  Examples  of  this  class  are,  nux  vomica  and  vera- 
tria. 

Treatment. — Aconite  will  not  only  relieve  the  pain, 
but  is  an  excellent  antidote  for  strychnia,  and  for  aco- 
nite, strychnia  may  be  given  with  advantage  in  cases  of 
this  variety  of  poisoning. 

Poisoning  from  lead  and  copper  is  most  frequent 
in  the  country,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  lead  and  copper- 
smelting  works,  and  in  pastures  where  manure  from  large 
towns  and  cities  is  spread,  and  on  farms  where  the  water  is 
conveyed  in  leaden  pipes,  and  kept  in  troughs  and  cis- 
terns lined  with  lead.  Pieces  of  lime  and  nails,  or 
scraps  of  iron  finding  their  way  into  leaden  troughs, 
cause  oxidation  of  the  lead,  forming  sugar  of  lead, — a  bad 
poison.  Not  long  since,  heavy  damages  were  awarded 
to  a  farmer  who  had  lost  several  head  of  cows  from  lead 
poisoning,  from  the  spray  of  leaden  bullets  shot  against 


POLL   EVIL.  147 

a  stone  wall  by  a  rifle,  or  military  company.  The  frin- 
ges of  lead  spread  upon  the  grass,  was  left  to  be  con- 
verted into  the  sugar,  or  oxide  of  that  metal,  and  the 
cows  gathered  it  with  the  pasture. 

Treatment. — Give  large  doses  of  white  of  eggs,  and 
linseed  oil,  in  either  lead  or  copper  poisoning,  to  shield 
the  coats  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  to  remove  it 
from  the  body  altogether.  Happily  for  the  horse  and 
his  owner,  large  quantities  of  poisonous  materials  are 
necessary  to  destroy  life,  and  materials  which  will  destroy 
man,  dog,  and  the  pig,  will  not  in  many  instances  have 
any  effect  on  the  horse,  sheep,  and  cattle.  Antimony,  an 
active  and  deadly  poison,  when  given  to  omnivorous  ani- 
mals, have  no  more  effect  in  a  poisonous  point  of  view 
than  the  same  quantity  of  earth,  when  given  to  herbivorous 
animals.  Hence,  tartar  emetic  is  now  no  longer  used  as 
a  nauseant  in  the  treatment  of  horses  and  cattle,  when 
laboring  under  lung  diseases,  however  useful  it  is  in  the 
same  diseases  in  man  and  the  dog. 

Poll  Evil.— This  affection  of  the  back  part  of  the 
head  is  well  known  to  horsemen,  without  much  of  a  de- 
scription being  given.  It  consists  in  supurative  inflam- 
mation forming  pus  in  the  form  of  a  simple  abscess,  or 
in  the  form  of  fistula,  (which  see.) 

Cause. — Injury  to  the  part,  or  disease  of  the  bone. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  swelling  has  become  a  lit- 
tle soft,  have  it  opened  without  delay,  before  the  pus  has 
time  to  burrow  down  among  the  bones  of  the  neck,  and 
cause  disease  in  them.  Make  the  opening  large  and 
deep  enough,  so  as  to  admit  three  fingers^  so  that  the  ab- 
scess can  be  swabbed  out  with  a  piece  of  sponge  or  cloth 
tied  on  the  end  of  a  stick,  to  remove  the  pus.     This 


148  DISEASES    OF   THE   HORSE. 

will  have  to  be  done  twice  in  the  day,  till  no  more  pus 
can  be  brought  out. 

Occasionally  syringe  or  squirt  cold  water  into  the 
sore,  and  swab  it  out  again,  till  completely  dry.  Then 
apply  the  following  once  in  a  day  with  a  swab  previously 
dipped  in  it: — Creosote,  one  ounce;  oil  of  olives,  two 
ounces;  oil  of  turpentine,  one  ounce;  mix.  In  applying 
the  mixture,  do  not  use  the  swab  too  freely,  not  to 
break  down  the  granulations  or  the  healing  processes 
that  are  springing  up  to  fill  the  hole  or  cavity,  so  as  to 
form  a  perfect  cure. 

When  poll  evil  is  the  result  of  diseased  bone,  and 
partakes  of  a  fistulous  character,  it  will  not  be  so  easily 
healed  or  cured,  for  the  underlaying  bone  is  carious, 
and  becoming  necrosed,  and  before  exfoliation  or  separa- 
tion of  the  dead  bone  takes  place,  the  horse  may  be  dead, 
for  the  process  may  take  years  to  perfect  itself.  And  when 
it  is  cured,  there  is  usually  a  stifi"  neck  remaining  ever 
after.  Ten  drops  of  sulphuric  acid  poured  in  the  fistu- 
lous opening  of  the  swelling  or  sore,  will  hasten  recovery 
very  much,  and  in  many  cases  make  a  good  and  speedy 
cure.  Once  a  day  will  be  often  enough,  and  if  there  be 
more  than  one  fistulous  opening,  drop  the  acid  into  one 
to-day  and  the  other  to-morrow,  and  continue  from  day 
to  day,  till  each  and  every  opening  ceases  to  discharge  a 
whitish  gray  matter,  and  a  dry  looking  opening  is  pre- 
sented. After  which,  use  a  solution  of  the  sulphate  of 
zinc.  One  drachm  of  the  zinc  to  four  ounces  of  water, 
will  answer  the  purpose.  Horses  having  sores  of  all 
kinds  on  their  body,  should  be  well  fed  and  cared  for. 

Polypi. — These  are  diseased  enlargements,  which 
grow  from  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  nose,  and  ear, 
and  in  the  uterus  or  womb  of  mares. 


PROUD   FLESH.  149 

Treatment — If  they  are  small,  they  are  cured  by 
touching  them  with  a  stick  of  caustic  potassa;  and 
when  large,  cut  them  off  with  a  sharp  knife  or  scissors, 
and  apply  a  weak  solution  of  blue  stone  to  the  sore  till 
it  is  healed. 

Predisposing  Causes. — Are  those  which  render  an 
animal  susceptible  to  disease.  For  example,  a  young  horse 
standing  in  the  stable  from  day  to  day,  predisposes  him  to 
disease  of  the  throat  and  lungs,  when  he  is  put  to  any 
exertion.  Old  age  is  a  predisposing  cause  of  disease. 
Some  animals,  as  well  as  men,  are  more  disposed  to  dis- 
ease than  others,  from  their  temperament,  and  certain 
conditions  of  the  solids  and  fluids  of  the  body,  make  the 
body  more  susceptible  to  what  is  called  a  predisposing 
cause. 

Prick  of  the  Foot. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Procidenta. — A  term  used  to  denote  the  failing  down 
of  the  womb,  or  foal  bed  in  brood  mares.  This  affection 
is  very  common  in  milch  cows ;  not  so  in  mares. 

Prognosis. — Is  the  knowledge  of  foretelling  the 
event  of  a  disease,  from  its  symptoms.  Prognosis  may 
be  favorable  or  unfavorable.  Nothing  can  so  well  distin- 
guish the  scientific  veterinary  surgeon  from  the  block- 
head in  such  matters  as  correct  prognosis. 

Prophylactics. — Is  a  term  applied  to  the  means 
made,  or  adopted,  for  the  preservation  of  health,  and  the 
prevention  of  disease. 

Proud  Flesh. — A  common  name  applied  to  hasty 
granulations  in  a  sore  or  wound,  which  present  a  fungous 
appearance.  To  cure  and  prevent  this,  sprinkle  a  little 
white  sugar,  powdered  blue  stone,  or  a  little  red  precipi- 
tate on  the  surface. 


150  DISEASES   OP    THE   HORSE. 

Prurigo. — An  itchiness  of  the  skin,  and  is  best 
treated  by  the  sulphite  of  soda,  in  half  ounce  doses, 
given  every  night  in  cut  feed  for  a  week.  (See  Skin 
Diseases.) 

Pulse. — This  is  the  stroke  or  beat  of  an  artery,  conse- 
quent upon  the  alternate  dilation  and  contraction  of  the 
artery  caused  by  the  action  of  the  heart.  The  pulse  is 
subject  to  many  variations,  even  not  depending  upon  dis- 
ease. The  pulse  is  also  liable  to  changes  from  tempo- 
rary excitement,  as  from  severe  heat,  etc.  Medicines 
act  upon  the  circulation,  and  consequently  change 
the  beat  and  character  of  the  pulse.  If  the  disease 
be  debility,  diffusable  stimulants  will  be  required  to 
raise  the  pulse,  and  in  order  to  depress  the  circulation, 
as  in  inflammation  and  fever,  nauseants  are  indicated, 
such  as  aconite  and  veratrum.  (See  Pulse,  in  Introduc- 
tory Remarks.) 

Puncture. — Wounds  inflicted  with  a  sharp-pointed 
tool,  as  a  stable  or  hay  fork,  etc.  Punctured  wounds  are 
dangerous,  depending  as  to  their  depth  and  locality,  and 
should  be  treated  by  free  openings  from  the  bottom  of 
the  wound,  to  allow  the  exposed  fluids  to  escape,  and 
dress  the  parts  with  simple  ointment.  (See  Medicines 
and  Prescriptions.) 

Purgatives. — Are  a  class  of  medicines  capable  of 
cleansing  or  emptying  the  bowels.  Purgatives  are  dis- 
tinguished from  laxatives,  only  in  the  quantity  given. 
Six  to  eight  drachms  of  aloes  will  act  as  a  purgative,  and 
two  to  three  drachms  will  act  as  a  laxative.  When 
laxatives  are  necessary,  repeat  at  distant  intervals. 

Purpura. — This  is  a  disease  which  is  but  rarely  seen, 
and  consists  in  the  surface  of  the  whole  body  and  logs 
being  covered  with  pimples,  or  small  boils,  which  discharge 


PUTREFACTION.  151 

a  livid,  or  purple-color  fluid.  The  animal  is  very  much  de- 
bilitated, and  accompanied  with  sympathetic  fever,  not 
unfrequently,  in  addition  we  see  swellings  of  the  head, 
parts  of  the  body,  and  the  legs  very  thick,  and  oozing  out 
of  them,  the  same  colored  fluid.  The  horse  scarcely 
able  to  move.  The  worst  form  of  this  disease,  is  the 
purpura  hsemoragica,  or  bleeding  purpura.  The  small 
boils  are  the  result  of  extravasation  from  the  minute 
blood  vessels  under  the  skin. 

Cause. — Venous  congestion  of  the  whole  surface  of 
the   body,    and   possibly,  a  deterioration   of    the  blood 

itself. 

Treatment.— '^xr^^ort  the  strength,  to  keep  ofi"  typhoid 
symptoms,  and  enrich  the  blood,  and  attend  to  the  surface 
sores.  For  this  purpose,  give  the  following  powders, 
night  and  morning  : — powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  three 
ounces;  gentian  root,  two  ounces  and  a  half;  carbonate 
of  ammonia,  four  ounces.  Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve 
powders  one  to  be  given  twice  in  the  dav.  Give 
occasionally  forty  to  sixty  drops  of  commercial  sul- 
phuric acid  in  a  bucket  of  cold  water.  Feed  the 
horse  well;  and  apply  to  the  sores  olive  oil,  three 
ounces,  and  creosote,  one  ounce,  once  every  second  day, 
and  wash  the  sores  twice  a  week.  Horses  once  attacked 
by  this  disease,  are  ever  after  liable  to  it  again,  as  the 
blood  vessels  are  so  weakened,  and  generally  remain  so. 

PllS^ — This  is  the  material  found  in  abscesses.  Pus 
may  be'  healthy,  or  laudable,,  as  it  is  called.  Unhealthy 
when  it  is  mixed  with  blood,  and  has  a  stinking  smell. 
Healthy  pus  is  of  the  thickness  and  color  of  cream,  and 
is  insoluable  in  water,  and  has  no  smell. 

Putrefaction.— Certain  diseases  are  regarded  as 
putrid,   where  the  discharges  ha.ve  a  black  appearance, 


152  DISEASES   OP   THE   HORSE. 

and  putrid  smell.  When  weakness  and  debility  are 
present,  putrid  ulcers  spread  rapidly.  The  treatment  of 
putrefaction  in  a  living  animal  should  be  directed  to  lay- 
ing open  the  sores,  so  as  to  get  rid  of  the  putrid  dis- 
charge before  it  is  absorbed  into  the  circulation,  and 
immediately  wash  with  the  solution  of  the  chloride  of 
lime,  and  afterwards  dress  the  sores  with  equal  parts  of 
olive  oil  and  creosote,  and  sprinkle  the  sores  with  pow- 
dered charcoal.  Give  the  horse  good  feed  to  support 
the  strength,  and  give  sulphate  of  iron  and  gentian  root, 
two  drachms  each,  night  and  morning. 

Pyemia. — This  is  a  term  signifying  pus  in  the  blood, 
acting  and  setting  up  a  fermentation  in  the  blood.  Ex- 
amples, tubercles  in  the  lungs,  glanders,  farcy,  and  grease. 
(All  of  which  see.     Also  see  Ferments.) 

Quack  Medicines. — Are  medicines  prepared  ac- 
cording to  private  or  secret  receipts,  and  are  puffed  up 
in  the  newspapers,  and  private  circulars,  as  infallible  cures, 
in  most  all  diseases  which  can  be  named,  for  either  man 
or  beast,  for  external  application,  or  internal  administra- 
tion. No  subject  in  medicine  has  been  more  fully  ex- 
posed than  the  great  and  absurd  pretensions  of  those 
medicines ;  but  notwithstanding  all  this,  the  credulity  of 
even  the  best  class  of  society  is  great ;  finding  their 
readiest  victims  among  them.  It  surely  requires  no  ar- 
gument to  show  how  dangerous  must  be  the  indiscrimi- 
nate use  of  powerful  drugs,  compounded  by  parties  who 
likely  never  had  the  slightest  knowledge  of  a  medical 
education,  and  how  such  persons  can  be  able  to  cure, 
by  their  remedies,  diseases  which  are,  or  may  be, 
deemed  incurable,  and  have  defied  the  most  consum- 
mate skill  and  experience  of  the  veterinary  medical 
world. 


RESPIRATION.  153 

Quinsy. — A  name  given  to  sore  throat.  (See  Dis- 
temper and  Influenza.) 

ftuittor. This  term  is  used  in  England  for  a  disease 

in  the  foot  of  a  fistulous  character.  (See  Toot  Dis- 
eases.) 


"QuiTTOR  Syringe,  with  Rings.    To  be  used  with  one  Hand." 

Rabies.— (See  Hydrophobia.) 

RacMtis.— A  disease  of  the  bones  of  young  animals, 
and  is  due  to  a  deficiency  of  earthy  matter,  (lime,)  which 
causes  the  bones  to  yield,  being  too  soft.  In  colts  of  the 
first  year,  some  cases  will  be  observed  to  stand  so  close 
at  the  knees,  that  one  joint  touches  the  other,  which  give 
the  fore  legs  a  curious  looking  twist,  with  the  feet  turned 
out,  and  the  knees  bent  in.  Colts  so  afi'ected  soon  get 
well  when  they  are  supplied  with  good,  nutritious  food,  in 
which  the  phosphate  of  lime  predominates.  Rachitis, 
(pronounced  racketis,)  in  old  horses,  is  seldom  seen;  and 
when  it  is,  it  is  in  the  bones  of  the  back  or  lumber  ver- 
tebrae, and  is  characterized  by  swellings  of  an  irregular 
kind,  with  water  oozing  from  them,  and  is  called  hydro- 
rachitis  or  spina-bifida.  Horses  so  afi'ected,  are  not  fit  for 
work  with  weight  upon  the  back.     (See  Deformities.) 

Resolution— Is  the  most  favorable  termination  of  in- 
flammation, and  leaves  the  inflamed  part  in  the  same  state 
)ndition  in  which  it  was  before  it  was  attacked. 


or  coi 


Respiration.— The  alternate  inspiration  and  expira- 
tion of  air,  performed  for  the  purpose  of  exchanging  the 


154  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

hydrogen  and  carbon  for  oxygen.  The  air  being  brought 
in  contact  with  the  blood,  as  it  circulates  through  the 
lungs,  the  oxygen  unites  with  it,  and  the  nitrogen  and 
carbonic  acjd  gas  is  returned  by  expiration.  The  oxygen 
and  some  of  the  inhaled  air  is  united  in  the  lungs  with 
free  hydrogen,  which  is  given  out  from  the  lungs,  and  is 
readily  seen  issuing  from  the  nostrils  on  a  frosty  morn- 
ing, or  when  the  thermometer  is  about  40°. 

Revulsion. — A  second  attack  of  disease,  but  in  a  re- 
mote or  different  part  of  the  body  from  which  the  first 
attack  had  its  seat.  Example: — if  an  eruption,  or  the 
abscess  of  strangles  be  repelled  from  the  outside  of  the 
body,  we  will  find  it  attacking  an  internal  organ.  (See 
Metastasis.) 

Rheumatism* — In  no  disease  of  -ihe  horse  are  there 
so  many  errors  and  mistakes  committed;  not  only  as  to 
the  nature  of  the  affection,  but  its  mode  of  treatment. 
Horsemen  and  horse  doctors  have  not  yet  learned  that 
there  is  a  difference,  and  how  to  distinguish  rheumatism 
from  FOUNDER,  whether  acute  or  chronic.  The  differ- 
ence between  acute  or  inflammatory  rheumatism,  and 
acute  founder,  is  this: — in  rheumatism  there  is  not  only 
pain,  but  great  fever  and  excitement;  and  its  seat  is  in 
the  joints  of  the  legs ;  in  founder,  we  have  pain,  but  no 
fever;  and  the  disease  is  confined  to  the  feet  alone.  (See 
Lamenitis.) 

In  chronic  rheumatism  there  may  be  some  excuse  for 
such  mistakes,  as  there  is  no  fever ;  but  there  is  an  ina- 
bility to  move,  as  if  the  horse  was  sprained  over  the  loins. 
(S'ee  Lumbago.) 

(1.) — Acute  Rheumatism — Is  nothing  else  but  w^hat 
is  called  (when  man  is  the  subject,)  rheumatic  fever. 

Symptoms, — Great   fever,   excitement,  and  irritation, 


RHEUMATISM.  155 

with  extreme  pain  in  the  legs  and  joints ;  so  much  so,  that 
the  stricken  horse  has  not  a  leg  to  stand  upon,  and  dares 
not  moye  from  the  place  he  occupies,  for  fear  he  would 
fall  to  the  ground.  In  connection  with  all  this  disturb- 
ance, the  horse  sweats  profusely,  and  blows  or  breathes 
excitedly;  no  heat  in  the  feet,  as  in  founder.  It  will  be 
well  to  remember  this,  in  forming  a  correct  opinion  of 
the  case.  In  severe  cases,  the  whole  of  the  muscles  of 
the  body  are  set  to  quivering,  clearly  indicating  inflam- 
matory rheumatism  in  full  force  and  degree. 

Causes. — Sudden  check  to  perspiration,  by  placing 
heated  horses  in  a  current  or  draught  of  cold  air,  thus 
preventing  the  transudation  through  the  skin  of  its  formed 
and  natural  secretion,  and  is  absorbed  into  the  blood,  and 
acts  as  a  poison,  which  produces  inflammation  in  the 
sheaths  of  the  tendons,  and  of  the  fibrous  parts  or  tissue. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  acute  rheumatism  is 
sometimes  unsatisfactory;  not  that  it  is  incurable,  bht 
from  the  fact  that  the  medicines  which  cure  one  will  not 
do  so  in  other  cases. 

Give  25  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root,  every 
four  hours,  till  six  doses  are  given.  Place  the  horse  in  a 
cool,  airy  place,  with  plenty  of  bedding  under  him,  so  as 
to  induce  him  to  lie  down,  and  lightly  cover  the  body, 
and  apply  cold  water  swabs  or  loose  cloths  to  the  legs, 
and  keep  them  continually  wet  from  twelve  to  twenty- 
four  hours.  In  winter,  warm  water  will  answer  best. 
By  the  time  the  six  doses  of  aconite  have  been  taken,  a 
great  change  for  the  better  will  have  taken  place;  so 
much  so,  that,  in  many  cases,  the  horse  may  be  left  to  na- 
ture to  complete  the  cure.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  * 
should  the  disease  take  a  chronic  form,  give  drachm  doses 
of  the  powdered  meadow  safiron  seeds  twice  in  the  day, 


156  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

and  occasional  doses  of  60  drops  of  sulphuric  acid  in  half 
a  bucket  of  cold  water.  Half  ounce  doses  of  the  sulphite 
of  soda  may  be  given  as  an  alkali.  Do  not  bleed  or 
purge. 

(2.)  Chronic  Rheumatism. — I  have  no  hesitation  in 
saying  that  chronic  rheumatism  in  a  joint  is  one  of  the 
most  prolific  causes  of  occult  or  hidden  lameness  in  horses ; 
and  not  only  that,  if  there  be  no  swellings  to  point  to  as 
a  proof  of  the  correctness  of  your  opinion,  many  will  pit 
upon  your  judgm'ent;  but  it  is  with  this,  as  with  the  first 
fruits  of  the  earth — under  a  covering  of  snow ;  time  is 
allowed  for  full  development. 

Treatment  of  Chronic  Rheumatism.  Give  a  few  doses 
of  aconite  root,  followed  by  the  colchicum  or  saffron 
seeds — the  sulphuric  acid  and  the  alkaline,  as  is  recom- 
mended in  acute  rheumatism,  but  not  pushing  them  to 
su?ch  an  active  extent.  A  liniment  may  be  tried,  applied 
to  the  rheumatic  joint  or  joints.  Chloroform  and  olive 
oil,  equal  parts,  to  be  used  once  a  day,  with  friction  by  the 
hand.  One  part  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root,  may,  in 
addition,  be  used  to  advantage  with  the  chloroform. 

(3.) — Rheumatism. — Accompanying  Diseases  of  the 
Throat. — This  form  of  the  affection  is  often  seen  in  such 
company,  and  is  due  to  the  fact  that  the  same  serous  or 
fibrous  tissue  or  membrane,  is  affected  in  each  of  these 
diseases;  nevertheless,  we  do  not  see  cases  of  throat  dis- 
ease following  rheumatism;  as  by  this,  it  seems  that 
those  membranes  are  not  capable  of  reflecting  upwards 
and  backwards  their  sympathy  or  feeling,  as  the  nerves  of 
the  body  are.  So,  therefore,  I  am  inclined  to  the  belief 
that  rheumatism  in  this  form,  is  the  effect  of  disease  in 
the  throat,  and  not  a  cause  of  the  disease. 


RINGWORM.  157 

Treatment. — Cure  -the  disease  in  the  throat,  and  the 
rheumatism  will  be  deprived  of  its  cause  and  support. 
(See  Influenza  and  Gastritis  Mucosa.) 

Ring  Bone- — This  is  a  serious  affection,  and  consists 
of  a  circle  of  bone  thrown  out  from  the  underlying  bone, 
and  sometimes,  in  addition  to  this,  the  cartileges  of  the 
foot  are  converted  into  bone,  and  laid  in  the  form  of  a 
circle;  and  hence  its  name,  ringbone,  is  most  common  in 
the  fore-legs  of  heavy,  coarse-bred  horses,  with  short  and 
straight  up  pastern-joints.  When  it  occurs  in  fine-bred 
horses,  it  is  usually  the  hind  leg  which  is  affected.  Ring- 
bone does  not  always  cause  lameness. 

Cause. — Hereditary  predisposition,  from  a  peculiar  for- 
mation of  pastern-joints,  which  are  found  not  well  adapted 
to  stand  hard  work,  and  hence,  an  effort  of  nature  is  set 
up  to  strengthen  parts  which  are  too  weak,  by  converting 
an  elastic  substance  into  a  hard  and  unyielding  mass,  and 
a  moving  hinge  into  a  fixture. 

Treatment. — If  it  is  of  recent  origin,  and  the  horse  is 
young,  much  may  be  done  in  the  way  of  a  cure,  by  first 
removing  all  heat  and  inflammation  with  cold  water  cloths 
wrapped  round  the  parts  for  three  days,  taking  them  off 
at  night.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  get  one  drachm  of  the 
bin-iodide  of  mercury,  and  mix  with  one  ounce  of  lard,  and 
apply  one-half  of  the  salve  by  rubbing  it  in  well  for  ten 
minutes.  Tie  up  the  horse's  head  for  a  few  hours,  and 
the  next  day  wash  off  with  soap  and  warm  water,  and  dai- 
ly anoint  the  parts  with  lard  or  oil  for  a  week;  then 
apply  the  remainder  of  the  salve  in  the  same  way,  and 
proceed  as  before.  In  old  horses,  not  much  can  be  done 
with  ring-bone,  as  the  bones  of  old  animals  contain  so 
much  earthy  (lime)  matter  that  nothing  can  act  upon  it. 

Ringworm. — (See  Skin  Diseases.) 


158  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Roaring. — A  noise  made  when  the  horse  is  put  to 
work.  There  are  many  different  sounds  produced  from 
the  same  cause,  and  are  incurable,  except  they  depend 
upon  the  presence  of  tumors,  which  can  be  removed. 
Roariijg  can  be  relieved  somewhat  by  placing  pads  over 
the  false  nostril.  When  very  bad,  an  operation  called 
tracheotomy,  or  opening  into  the  wind  pipe,  and  keeping 
a  silver  tube  inserted  in  it,  is  sometimes  resoited  to.  By 
this  means,  a  draught  horse  can  be  kept  at  work  for 
many  years. 

Round  Bone. — (See  Sprains.) 

Rowels. — An  old-fashioned  operation,  consisting  in 
an  opening  made  through  the  skin  for  a  few  inches  in 
length,  and  the  skin  is  raised  from  its  attachments,  and 
a  piece  of  leather  fitting  the  cavity  thus  made  is  placed 
into  it,  so  that  a  discharge  is  set  up  in  a  day  or  two. 
Times  were  when,  and  we  too  often  see  evidences  yet  of 
these  cruelties  unnecessarily  inflicted  upon  the  poor,  un- 
offending horse.  Rowels  are  an  abomination,  and  inflict 
a  scar  or  blemish,  which  never  leaves  the  part.  The 
stupidity  and  ignorance  of  horse  doctors  generally,  do 
not  allow  them  to  see  that  the  powers  of  nature  are  more 
potent  for  good  in  curing  the  affection  which  is  attributed 
to  the  power  or  virtue  of  a  rowel  it  never  possessed.  If 
I  put  in  a  rowel,  it  will  not  be  with  the  view  of  curing 
disease  or  sprain,  but  for  allowing  the  horse  plenty  of 
time  in  the  stable,  so  that  nature  will  have  cured  the  dis- 
ease herself.  Gentlemen,  give  honor  to  wdiom  honor  is 
due! 

Ruptures — Are  the  protrusion  of  some  portion  of  the 
bowels  or  intestines  out  of  their  proper  cavity  and  place. 
The  groin,  the  navel,  sides  of  the  belly,  and  scrotum,  or 
testicle  bag,  are  the  usual  places  where  ruptures  show 


RUPTURES.  159 

themselves,  and  it  is  a  variety  of  situation  that  consti- 
tutes the  different  species  of  rupture  or  hernia. 

(1.)  Inguinal  Rupture. — In  the  United  States,  the 
male  horses  are  mostly  all  castrated,  which  fact  of  it- 
self accounts  for  the  rare  occurrence  of  this  variety  of 
rupture,  for  the  operation  of  castration  completely  closes 
the  inguinal  ring  or  opening  through  which  pass  the 
spermatic  cord,  testes,  etc.,  thus  preventing  the  possibi- 
lity of  rupture  in  that  direction.  When  this  kind  of 
rupture  takes  place,  it  is  in  stallions  and  uncastrated 
colts,  and  requires  for  its  cure  the  castration  of  the 
horse  or  colt  by  what  is  called  the  covered  operation,  that 
is,  by  leaving  the  tunica  vaginalis,  or  inner  covering  of 
the  testes  entire  and  uncut,  and  placing  the  clamps  over 
it,  and  allowing  the  testes  or  stones  to  fall  off,  or  be  re- 
moved in  two  days  from  the  time  of  operation.  As  soon 
as  this  variety  of  rupture  is  observed,  have  the  horse  or 
colt  castrated  at  once. 

(2.)  Scrotal  RuPTURE.-^This  variety  of  rupture  is 
entirely  confined  to  the  testicle  bag,  or  scrotal  sack,  and 
is  also  the  affection  of  uncut  horses,  and  is  caused  by  re- 
laxation of  the  fibrous  tissue  around  the  inguinal  ring. 
This  is  a  kind  of  rupture  which  comes  and  goes,  as  if  it 
were  in  an  intermittent  affection.  The  rupture,  or  large 
swelling,  during  rest  will  entirely  disappear,  and  return 
with  exercise,  and  sometimes  with  violence ;  and  throwing 
the  horse  into  a  fit  of  colic,  w^ill  sometimes  induce  strangu- 
lation and  death  of  the  horse.  Scrotal  rupture  is  some- 
times confined  to  one  side  only  of  the  scrotum.  If  in  time 
the  animal  should  not  die  from  strangulation  of  the  bowel, 
the  rupture  will  sometimes  increase  to  an  enormous  size, 
hanging  far  down,  and  filling  up  the  space  in  and  between 
the  hind  legs. 


160  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

Treatment. — The  same  as  for  inguinal  hernia.  Of 
course,  in  both  cases,  care  should  first  be  taken  to  push 
back  the  bowels  through  the  ring  into  the  belly,  before  re- 
moving the  testicles.  Scrotal  rupture  should  not  be  con- 
founded with  hydrocele,  or  water  in  the  scrotal  sack. 
(See  Dropsy.) 

(3.)  Congenital  Rupture. — This  is  a  species  of  rup- 
ture observed  at  the  birth  of  the  foal  or  colt,  and  is  the 
least  dangerous  of  all  the  varieties  of  ruptures,  although 
the  rupture  continues  to  grow  and  increase  in  size  until 
the  fourth  to  the  sixth  month  of  the  colt's  age,  and  then 
gradually  and  progressively  disappears  altogether.  If, 
however,  it  should  not  at  the  end  of  that  time  diminish 
in  size  and  volume,  a  tolerably  stout  and  tight  collar 
or  bandage  may  be  placed  around  the  body,  and  covering 
the  rupture.  This  band  should  be  kept  in  place  by  a 
broad  collar  or  cloth  attached  to  each  side  of  the  body 
bandage,  and  passing  in  front  of  the  breast,  and  another 
round  the  back  parts  of  the  hips;  thus  preventing  a  back- 
ward or  forward  movement  of  the  body  bandage. 

If  rupture  should  occur  in  a  few  days  after  the  birth 
of  the  colt,  it  should  to  all  intents  and  purposes  be 
classed  as  congenital  rupture,  and  be  treated  accord- 
ingly. 

Congenital  rupture  is  the  same  as  what  is  called  by 
some  writers  umbilical  rupture,  which  is  correct  as  far  as 
it  goes ;  but  congenital  rupture  includes  not  only  the  na- 
vel, but  the  scrotal  also.  The  navel  variety  can  be  suc- 
cessfully treated  by  letting  it  alone,  or  in  some  cases  the 
application  of  a  bandage.  And  when  in  the  scrotum  cas- 
tration is  the  only  cure,  a  bandage  in  this  case  would  not 
only  be  useless,  but  hurtful  to  the  colt. 


RUPTURES.  161 

(4.)  Ventral  Rupture, — This  is  ^hen  the  bowel  pro- 
trudes through  any  part  of  the  bellj,  excepting  at  the  um- 
bilicus or  navel,  and  not  through  any  natural  opening,  and 
is  generally  the  result  of  injury  or  accident,  as  from  a  hook 
from  the  horn  of  a  cow,  or  the  kick  of  a  horse,^  The 
common  place  where  this  kind  of  rupture  is  usually  seen, 
is  on  the  lower  portion  of  the  belly,  between  the  ribs  and 
at  the  flanks. 

Symptoms, — A  large,  pufiy  swelling ;  and  by  pressing 
against  it,  it  will  lessen  in  size,  by  its  being  forced  into 
the  cavity  of  the  belly  again;  thie  skin  will  be  loose 
when  the  bowel  is  thus  pushed  in.  When  the  pressure  has 
ceased,  the  enlargement  or  swelling  returns  at  once,  and 
fills  up  the  loose  skin. 

Treatment. — In  most  cases,  let  the  enlargement  alone ; 
as,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  no  inconvenience  from  it  will 
be  experienced  by  the  horse.  The  only  way  of  reducing 
such  a  rupture  is,  by  gathering  and  holding  the  loose  skin, 
covering  the  rupture  after  the  bowel  has  been  pushed  into 
its  place,  by  means  of  long  clamps,  like  a  long  vise,  till 
the  skin  falls  off.  This  cure  is  worse  than  the  affection 
it  is  intended  to  remedy ;  for  by  breaking  the  skin  the 
bowels  are  exposed  to  the  air,  and  the  uncertainty  of  the 
edges  of  the  skin  uniting  firmly  together.  This  is  more 
than  can  be  expected,  as  the  horse  is  not  a  rational  being, 
and  cannot  be  told  to  stand  this  or  that  way,  in  this  or 
that  position;  and  if  he  experiences  any  pain,  he  will  be 
restless,  -—lay  down,  and  rolh;  and  where  are  the  nicely 
adjusted  clamps? — The  horse  is  dead  in  a  few  hours. 

(5.)  Rupture — Of  Castration. — This  variety  of  rup- 
ture sometimes  follows  immediately,  or  a  few  days  after 
the  operation  of  castration. 

Causes. — When  the  rupture  occurs  as  soon  as  the  horse 
11 


162  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

rises  from  the  opei^^tion,  it  is  produced  by  the  violence  of 
struggling,  or  rising  with  too  much  of  a  jerk.  When  oc- 
curring a  few  days  after  the  operation,  the  cause  may  be 
laid  to  the  wound  not  healing  and  uniting  properly. 

Symptoms. — As  of  colic ;  the  horse  rising,  lying  down, 
pawing,  rolling,  sweating,  high  fever  and  inflammation; 
and,  finally,  gangrene,  or  mortification  of  the  parts,  and 
death  of  the  horse. 

General  RemarTcs. — The  termination  of  ruptures  of 
all  kinds  and  varieties  most  to  be  dreaded,  is  that  condi- 
tion known  as  strangulation,  which  occurrence  is  indi- 
cated by  the  restive  condition  of  the  horse,  pawing,  roll- 
ing, sweating,  etc.,  and  if  not  relieved  in  a  very  short 
time,  the  horse  will  die.  To  reduce  strangulation,  the 
horse  must  be  secured,  and  fastened;  and  every  ingenuity 
must  be  tried,  to  get  the  bowels  back  into  their  proper 
place.  No  rule  can  be  laid  down  to  accomplish  this,  as 
some  ruptures  are  reducable,  and  others  are  not.  But 
the  hands  of  the  operator  must  be  well  oiled  when  hand- 
ling the  bowels,  and  the  bowels  kept  scrupulously  clean ; 
and  when  they  have  been  successfully  placed  into  their 
proper  cavity,  the  horse  will  be  at  rest,  and  relieved  from 
pain.  And  to  prevent  the  bowels  from  returning  again, 
the  rupture  must  be  closed  by  skewers  made  of  iron,  or 
stiff  wood,  passed  through  the  lips  of  each  side  of  the 
wound,  half  an  inch  from  the  edge,  and  waxed  cord 
wound  round  and  over  the  skewers,  in  the  form  of  the 
figure  8. 

Metallic  or  silver  wire  is  used  by  scientific  veterinary 
surgeons  in  securing  the  edges  of  the  skin  of  ruptures 
and  injuries  to  the  belly  of  all  domestic  animals,  as  the 
best  and  most  successful  plan. 

Ruptures  of  the  stomach,  bowels  and  diaphragm,  are 


SALIVATION.  163 

occasionally  the  immediate  cause  of  death  in  cases  of 
colic. 


NEEDLE  ARMED   WITH  -VTIRE. 


Saddle  Galls. — Sores  produced  by  the  saddle  and 
other  portions  of  the  harness,  ^nd  are  best  treated  by 
the  compound  tincture  of  aloes  or  myrrh.  When  the 
sores  become  hard  and  firm,  like  warts,  use  the  ointment 
of  iodide  of  mercury.  (See  Medicines  and  Prescrip- 
tions.) Remove  the  cause  of  the  trouble  by  attending 
to  the  saddle  and  harness,  and  if  there  be  no  fault  to  be 
found  with  the  stuffing  of  the  saddle,  cut  a  hole  suffi- 
ciently large  in  the  padding  to  accommodate  the  sore 
without  touching  it. 

Sallenders.— (See  Mallenders.) 

Saliva. — The  fluid  which  is  secreted  by  the  salivary 
glands  into  the  mouth,  and  is  swallowed  with  the  food. 
When  horses  are  feeding,  the  saliva  mixes  with  the  feed, 
and  resolves,  dissolves,  and  changes  it  into  a  soft  mass  fit 
to  be  swallowed.     (See  Parotid  Duct.) 

Salivation. — This  is  an  increased  flow  of  saliva  in- 
duced in  the  horse  by  mercury  and  other  medicines,  and 
is  often  seen  in  horses  which  are  feeding  upon  the  second 
crop  of  clover  late  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  or  after  slight 
frosts ;  which  fact  sufficiently  accounts  not  only  for  the 
salivation  of,  but  also  the  reason  why,  horses  so  feeding 
lose  flesh  and  become  thin  and  weak,  although  apparently 
feeding  upon  abundance. 

Second  crop  clover  grows  fast,  is  soft,  and  full  of  mois- 
ture, and  cool  nights  arrest  its  mush-room  growth,  and 


164  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

the  moisture  it  contains  is  great  in  quantity,  and  is  con- 
verted from  a  sweet  and  nutritious  substance  into  a  sour 
and  acidulous  fluid,  not  unlike  vinegar  or  acetic  acid. 
The  acid  so  formed  within  the  clover  leaf  and  stem,  is 
pressed  out  by  the  act  of  mastication  or  chewing  stimu- 
lating the  fauces  of  the  mouth  and  the  salivary  glands  to 
such  an  extent  as  to  tax  the  substance  of  the  body  to 
supply  saliva  to  meet  an  enormous  demand.  Hence,  the 
weakness  and  loss  of  flesh  of  horses  so  fed. 
Sand  Cracks, — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Sanious  Pus. — Pus  mixed  with  water  and  blood ; — 
unhealthy  pus. 

Scalds. — (See  Burns.) 

Scald  Mouth. — (See  Mouth  Diseases.) 

Scarlatina. — A  disease  newly  discovered  in  light- 
colored  horses,  attended  by  sore  throat,  as  in  man,  and 
with  slight  fever  and  dry  skin — the  glands  of  the  neck  are 
slightly  swollen,  and  in  about  two  days  the  lining  mem- 
brane within  the  nose  and  lips  become  studded  with  scar- 
let spots  of  the  size  of  a  garden  pea,  which  run  together. 
As  before  stated,  in  light  bay  horses  will  be  seen  patches 
from  which  the  hair  falls  ofi",  and  is  replaced  by  a  coat  of 
a  lighter  color,  thus  making  the  animal  look  as  if  he  had 
had  an  attack  of  varioloid  or  small-pox.  Scarlatina  is 
an  eruptive  fever,  running  a  fixed  and  definite  course, 
and  is  closely  allied  to  purpura,  influenza  and  strangles, 
(all  of  which  see.) 

Treatment. — Place  the  horse  in  a  cool  place,  and  give 
small  doses  of  aconite  followed  by  gentian  and  carbonate 
of  ammonia.  In  a  few  days  iron  may  be  added.  (See 
Medicines.) 

Scratches. — (See  Grease  and  Phagadena.) 


SERUM.  165 

Schirrus. — Pronounced  sJcirrus,  and  signifying  indu 
ration  or  hardening  of  any  structure,  but  now  used  only 
when  speaking  of  cancer,  (which  see.) 

Scouring. — (See  Diarrhoea.) 

Scrotum. — The  bag  or  skin  covering  the  testicles  of 
the  stallion,  and  is  the  seat  of  large  watery  swellings,  as 
a  sequel  to  debilitating  disease,  or  disease  treated  by 
starving,  bleeding,  etc.  If  the  swelling  does  not  grow 
less  after  extra  feed  is  allowed,  and  a  few  iron  powders 
are  given,  the  scrotum  will  have  to  be  opened  a  little  on 
both  sides  to  allow  the  fluid  to  flow  out.  Do  not  mistake 
the  swelling  for  scrotal  rupture,  (which  see.) 

Scurf.  —  A  scaly  eruption  on  the  skin  of  badly- 
groomed  and  cared  for  horses,  and  is  cured  by  good 
grooming,  good  feeding,  and,  in  some  cases,  a  change  in 
stabling. 

Secretion  is  the  product  secreted  or  separated  from 
the  blood.     Secreted  products  are  of  two  kinds : 

(1.)  Excretions,  or  matter  separted  by  animal  bodies, 
and  thrown  ofi"  on  account  of  their  noxious  or  efi*ete  qua- 
lities. Examples — the  urine,  the  dung,  sweat,  and  car- 
bonic acid  gas  from  the  lungs. 

(2.)  Secretion  is  matter  separated  from  the  blood  for 
further  use,  and  for  the  performance  of  various  actions 
in  the  living  system.     Examples — bile,  saliva,  etc. 

Sedatives. — Medicines  which  lessen  pain,  and  should, 
therefore,  be  called  calmative^.  Aconite  is  the  most  cer- 
tain and  successful  sedative  and  calmative  we  have  to 
ofi'er,  and  will  seldom  disappoint  the  highest  expecta- 
tions, if  used  properly,  and  in  good  time. 

Serum. — The  thin,  colorless  fluid,  which  separates 
from  the  blood. 


166  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

Serous  Abscess. — A  variety  of  abscess  seen  usually 
about  the  breast  of  horses,  and  arises  from  injury  fol- 
lowed by  the  pouring  into  the  injured  part,  a  serum  from 
the  blood,  and  not  being  absorbed  readily,  it,  therefore, 
remains  there  in  the  form  of  a  large  ovoid  flattened  bag, 
which  a  blind  man,  who  never  saw  a  tumor,  can  tell  it 
contains  fluid.  Indeed,  wherever  dropsical  swellings  are 
not  absorbed,  a  serous  abscess  will  be  formed. 

Treatment. — Open  it  with  a  large  knife,  or  with  a 
small  one,  making  a  large  opening  through  the  skin, 
only  at  the  lowest  soft  part,  so  the  serum  will  run  out 
without  pressing.  Inject  once  or  twice  with  cold  water, 
and  anoint  the^skin  to  prevent  it  from  cracking  or  be- 
coming dry. 

Seton. — A  piece  of  tape  placed  under  the  skin  by 
means  of  a  needle,  made  for  the  purpose.  Setons  are 
rarely  of  use,  and  are  often  torn  violently  out,  making 
an  ugly  sore. 

Shivers. — So  called  because  the  horse  is  seized  wdth 
tremor  of  the  muscles  of  the  whole  body,  when  any 
attempt  is  made  to  push  the  horse  back.  The  tail  is 
erect  as  in  cases  of  locked-jaw. 

Causes. — Tumors  on  the  ventricles  of  the  brain. 

Shoeing  of  Sound*  Feet. — Most  diseases  of  the 
feet,  and  every  stumble  is,  either  directly  or  indirectly, 
the  result  of  bad  shoeing.  Ilorse-shoers  have  long  been 
in  the  habit  of  using  the  knife  and  rasp  too  freely  to 
keep  feet  sound  very  long  so.  When  the  shoe  is  carefully 
removed,  the  wall  or  crust,  where  a  well  seated  shoe 
should  only  rest,  should  be  ger^tly  rasped  to  remove 
fragments  of  loose  horn  and  old  nails.  In  deep,  well- 
made  feet,  the  sole  recjuires  paring  out  till  it  is  in  the 


SHOEING  OP  SOUND  FEET  167 

form  of  a  cup,  but  not  too  tliin,  the  bearing  surface,  or 
wall,  to  be  made  level  for  the  new  shoe.  This  is  all  that 
is  required  in  a  sound  foot.  The  frog  must  be  left  to  fill 
its  functions.  Above  all  do  not  let  the  rasp  be  used  upon 
the  surface  of  the  foot,  for  it  is  the  skin  of  the  hoof,  and 
by  its  removal  you  expose  it  to  every  change  in  moisture 
and  dryness,  and  leaving  it  weak,  dr^y,  porous  and 
brittle. 

The  shoe  should  be  a  plain  one,  and  equally  broad 
and  wide  from  heel  to  toe,  and  put  on  without  seating  ; 
for  why  bring  a  concave  foot  in  contact  with  a  concave 
shoe  ?  The  toe  should  be  slightly  turned  up,'and  not  too 
short  at  the  heels.  The  hind  shoes  should  be  provided 
with  heels. 

The  nail  holes  should  be  three  on  the  outside,  and  two 
on  the  inside,  and  made  straight  through  the  iron,  and 
not  incline  inwards,  and  the  shoe  fitted  to  the  foot,  and 
not  the  foot  to  the  shoe. 

Bray  horses  should  be  shod  with  tips,  or  toes  and 
heels  which  secure  firmness  of  tread,  and  greater  power 
when  drawing  heavy  loads,  and  especially  in  cities  with 
smooth  paved  streets. 

Shoeing  Uxsound  Feet. — Feet  with  corns,  weak, 
flat  feet,  convexed  sole,  and  sand  or  quarter  cracked  feet 
should  have  shoes  well- seated,  and  is  advisable  to  throw 
some  extra  weight  upon  the  frog,  and  for  this  purpose  a  bar- 
shoe  should  be  used.  (See  Foot  Diseases.)  Leather 
soles  are  useful  in  weak-s5led  feet,  and  when  the  horse 
steps  high,  and  is  much  used  upon  city  streets.  One 
sided  nailing  answers  well  for  weak  heels.  Ring  Boned 
animals  should  be  shod  with  easy  fitting  shoes,  to  avoid 
jarring.  Horses  having,  or  have  a  tendency  to  na^vicular 
or   coffin-joint  disease,  should  have  shoes  turned  up   a 


168  DISEASES   OP    THE   HORSE. 

little  at  the  toe,  with  the  ground  surface  of  the  wall  well 
cut  away,  and  the  sole  and  frog  untouched.  The  art  of 
shoeing  horses  consists  in  fitting  a  shoe  to  the  foot  of  a 
horse,  for  the  purpose  of  protecting,  at  the  same  time 
not  to  injure  it. 

Shoulder  Lameness- — Is  produced  by  a  slip  or  side- 
fall,  and  is  frequent  with  horses  in  cities,  with  broad 
rails  laid  on  the  streets  for  railroad  purposes,  and  in  wet 
weather  these  rails  are  very  slippy ;  hence  the  horse  has 
no  foot-hold,  and  the  leg  is  stretched  far  out  before  the 
animal,  and  the  muscles  of  the  shoulders,  and  in  some 
cases,  the  shoulder  joint  is  involved,  a  much  more  serious 
afi'air  than  simple  shoulder  sprain  is  the  result. 

Shoulder  Lameness  is  common  to  young  horses  when 
ploughing  in  the  furrow. 

Symptoms. — The  absence  of  heat,  tenderness,  and 
swelling  in  any  other  part  of  the  leg  or  foot.  Always 
find  out  with  certainty,  where  there  is  no  lameness,  and 
the  situation  of  lameness  will  very  soon  be  apparent. 
Negative  and  positive  symptoms  should  always  be  well 
considered  before  coming  to  a  final  conclusion,  as  by 
doing  so  the  situation  or  trouble  is  so  narrowed  down 
that  a  mistake  can  scarcely  occur.  Shoulder  lameness, 
however,  is  known  by  the  horse  stepping  longer  with  the 
lame  leg,  and  shorter  with  the  sound  one,  and  excepting 
in  very  severe  cases  the  horse  will  not  only  point  the  leg 
out  from  the  body,  but  carries  it  also  to  the  side  of  the 
body.  Now  in  most  sprains  and  diseases  in  the  foot,  the 
leg  will  be  pointed  straight  out  without  any  side  posi- 
tion. Take  the  leg  which  is  lame  by  the  pastern,  and 
gently  carry,  or  pull  it  straight  out  from  the  body  of  the 
horse  in  front,  and  gently  also  to  the  outside,  and  if  it 
be    shoulder   lameness,    the   horse   will   not   only  show 


SHOULDER  JOINT  LAMENESS.  169 

evidences  of  pain,  but  will  in  many  cases,  depending 
upon  the  spirit  and  animation  of  the  horse,  get  up  from 
the  ground  with  the  sound  leg  and  endeavors  to  wrest 
the  lame  leg  from  you. 

In  very  severe  cases,  when  occurring  from  a  bruise,  the 
horse  will  stand  on  his  toe,  which  is  evidence  of  contu- 
sion of  the  shoulder. 

Treatment. — Absolute  and  entire  rest,  warm  water 
cloths  applied  for  two  days,  and  followed  by  cold  water 
ones,  in  the  same  way,  for  as  many  days.  Then  a  slight 
blister  of  the  Spanish  fly  may  be  rubbed  into  the  skin 
of  the  shoulder,  taking  care  that  none  of  it  is  put  on  the 
situation  of  the  colar,  as  it  would  render  the  part  a 
little  tender  for  a  while  by  friction  from  the  colar. 
Spanish  fly  in  powder,  one  drachm ;  hogs  lard,  six 
drachms.  Mix,  and  make  an  ointment,  or  salve,  and  rub 
in  the  better  half  of  it  into  the  skin  ;  next  day  wash  ofi" 
with  warm  water,  (not  hot)  and  when  dry  from  washing, 
annoint  the  blistered  parts  with  oil  or  lard,  daily  for  a 
week.  It  is  not  advisable  to  put  horses  to  work,  or  even 
exercise,  too  soon  after  getting  well  from  lameness. 

Shoulder  Joint  Lameness. — This  is  a  more  serious 
form  of  lameness,  than  sprain  of  the  muscles  of  the 
shoulder,  and  consists  in  softening  of  the  articular  car- 
tilages of  the  joint,  with  inflammation  of  the  joint  mem- 
branes, and  great  secretion  of  unhealthy  synovia,  (joint 
oil)  which  produces  bulging  of  the  ligaments,  (capsular) 
covering  the  joint,  and  can  be  detected  by  making  the 
horse  stand  upon  the  lame  limb,  by  holding  up  the  other 
one.  This  is  a  disease  similar  to  spavin  in  the  hock-joint, 
which  accounts  for  the  unsatisfactory  result  of  treatment. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  drags  his  toe,  and  throws  his 
leg  out  at  every  movement  of  the  limb. 


170  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

Treatment. — As  before  stated,  this  is  rather  unsatis- 
factory, from  the  fact  that  the  cartilages  are  likely  to  be 
destroyed,  and  the  bone  underneath  apt  to  become  ulcer- 
ated, but  if  taken  in  time,  much  good  can  be  done.  In 
many  cases,  a  cure  can  be  effected  by  the  ointment  of  red 
iodide  of  mercury,  well  rubbed  in  once  a  week,  for  a  few 
times. 

Take  of  biniodide  of  mercury,  two  drachms ;  hogs 
lard,  two  ounces.  Mix  well  on  the  bottom  of  a  dinner 
plate,  or  a  smooth  slate  with  a  table  knife.  And  of  this 
ointment,  take  one  fourth  and  rub  well  into  the  joint, 
and  tie  up  the  horse's  head  for  a  few  hours,  to  prevent 
the  horse  from  getting  at  the  shoulder  with  his  mouth, 
and  allow  soft  bedding  for  the  front  feet  to  stand  upon, 
as  the  horse  will  stamp  with  his  foot  on  the  floor,  for 
the  action  of  this  ointment  is  considered  to  be  as  painful 
as  the  hot  iron,  for  half  an  hour  from  the  time  it  begins 
to  act,  till  the  parts  commence  to  swell  from  its  splendid 
effects.  Hence,  firing  irons  are  now  not  much  used, 
except  in  the  hands  of  old  fogies.  Daily,  oil  or  grease 
the  parts  for  a  week,  then  apply  as  before,  and  remem- 
bering that  to  get  all  the  benefit  of  this  ointment,  it 
must  be  well  rubbed  in  to  the  parts. 

Side  Bones — Are  a  species  of  ring  bone;  only  the 
side  cartileges  of  the  foot  are  converted  into  bone,  and 
does  not,  as  in  ring  bone,  extend  round  the  coronet,  or 
portion  immediately  above  the  hoof.  The  cause  and 
treatment  are  the  same  as  that  of  ring-bone  (which  see.) 

Sinus. — A  long,  narrow  and  ulcerated  track,  commu- 
nicating either  with  the  inside  of  an  abscess,  or  diseased 
bone     .(See  Fistula.— Poll  Evil.) 

SitfastS- — These   are   hard   and    insensible    tumors, 


SKIN   DIS]^SES. 


171 


and  sometimes  called  warbles,  caused  by  undue  pressure 
from  the  harness. 

Treatment. — Rub  in,  about  the  size  of  a  bean,  of  the 
ointment  of  red  iodide  of  mercury.  (See  Prescriptions 
and  Medicines.) 

Skin  Diseases.— The  many,  and  apparently  different 
varieties  of  skin  diseases  described  by  writers,  many  of 
which  are  the  same,  and  produced  by  the  same  cause,  but 
present  different  appearances  in  different  animals,  and  in 
different  stages  and  conditions  of  the  affection ;  and  where 
the  same  cause  can  be  properly  assigned  as  producing 
different  diseases,  although  apparently  dissimilar,  the 
treatment  must  be  the  same.  Thus :  if  the  acari  is  the 
cause  of  more  than  one  kind  of  skin  disease,  of  course 
the  treatment  must  be  directed  to  the  destruction  or 
removal  of  this  insect  or  mite,  before  a  cure  can  be  ef- 
fected; so,  also,  with  faulty  assimulation  or  digestion, 
which  so  often  give  rise  to  skin  disease,  will  have  to  be 
improved  and  corrected  before  the  effect,  (disease,)  will 
cease  and  be  cured. 

(1.)  Baldness.— Parts  of  the  skin  of  the  horse  become 
denuded  of  the  hair,  and  occurs  from  minute  or  small 
pimples  which  contain  a  fluid,  and  burst,  or  break,  carry- 
ing the  hair  with  it.  These  pimples,  or  small  tumors,  how- 
ever, .are  sometimes  vesicular,  sometimes  papular,  and 
sometimes  scaly,  and  is  caused  by  faulty  digestion,  and 
is  treated  by  soft  feed,  or  fresh-cut  grass.  The  hair  will 
grow  again. 

Baldness  is  caused  by  scalds,  burns, ^ and  blisters;  and 
where  the  true  skin  is  not  entirely  destroyed,  the  hair 
can  be  restored  by  using  a  iveak  ointment  of  iodme — io- 
dine half  a  drachm,  hog's  lard,  eight  drachms,  mix,  and  ap- 
ply with  rubbing  with  the  hand,  once  every  third  day,  till 


172  DISEASES    OE^THE   HORSE. 

there  are  evidences  of  a  growth  of  hair  springing  up. 
Gunpowder  and  lard  have  no  more  power  in  causing  hair 
to  grow,  than  as  much  lard,  saltpeter,  sulphur  and  char- 
coal would  have,  and  is  not  to  be  compared  to  the  iodine, 
because,  if  iodine  does  not  restore  the  hair  in  all  cases,  it 
will  certainly  dye  or  stain  the  skin  a  dark  color,  which 
cannot  be  washed  off;  and  hence,  in  dark-skined  horses, - 
is  of  much  use  in  taking  the  bare,  bald-look  off  a  white 
spot,  on  a  dark-skinned  horse. 

(2.)  Mange,  Itch,  Psoka,  ok  Scabies. 

Cause. — The  result  of  an  insect  breeding  and  burrow- 
ing in  the  skin,  and  is  called  acari,  a  variety  of  mite  or 
animalculse. 

Spnptoms. — At  first,  a  fine  crop  of  pustules,  not  at 
this  time  always  seen,  about  the  head  and  neck,  and  under 
the  mane.  By  the  horse  rubbing  himself  against  what- 
ever he  can  get  at,  the  hair  falls  off,  and  exposes  an  an- 
gry and  red-colored  skin,  with  red  points  and  lines,  fis- 
sures, wrinkles,  or  scratches.  After  this  condition,  we 
have  dryness,  scrufiiness,  baldness,  and  whitening  of  the 
skin,  accompanied  with  great  itchiness. 

Treatment. — The  best  plan  for  curing  this  disease  in 
horses,  is  as  follows :  Take  fine  sea-sand,  such  as  is  used 
by  stable-men  for  scouring  steel  bits,  and  rub  the  affected 
parts  well  for  a  few  minutes.  Then  wash  the  parts  well 
with  good  soap  and  water,  and  a  brush,  after  which  dry 
the  parts  well.  Then  anoint  the  parts  with  the  following 
ointment:  Powdered  sulphur,  one  ounce,  hog's  lard  two 
ounces ;  mix.  The  following  is  more  cleanly :  Take  liver 
of  sulphur,  or  hepar  of  sulphur,  two  to  three  ounces,  cold 
water  one  quart ;  mix,  and  make  a  wash.  This  plan,  and 
either  of  these  mixtures  properly  applied,  will  not  only 
kill  the  insect,  but  will  cure  a  disease  which  has  baffled 


SKIN   DISEASES.  173 

many  who  have  attempted  its  cure,  without  first  exposing 
the  insect,  by  scouring  him  out  of  his  covering,  and  killing 
him  with  sulphur,  which  is  so  objectionable  to  parasitic 
life. 

Observe. — This  disease  is  contagious.  Stall-posts,  man- 
gers, harness,  combs,  brushes,  etc.,  used  about  the  horse, 
should  be  subjected  to  heat  equal  to  boiling,  either  by 
boiling  or  steaming.  Trees,  gates,  and  rubbing-posts  in 
the  field,  should  be  washed  with  water,  and  coated  with 
a  mixture  of  sulphur,  lime  and  water. 

(3.)  Eczema. — This  is  an  afi*ection  of  the  summer 
months ;  and  by  close  inspection,  large  numbers  of  minute 
elevations,  or  raised  parts,  closely  joining  each  other,  and 
filled  with  a  watery  fluid,  will  be  observed;  the  skin 
will  soon  present  a  red  and  angry  look,  the  hair  short 
and  dry,  accompanied  with  extreme  itchiness ;  so  much 
so,  sometimes,  that  horses  so  affected  become  almost  un- 
manageable. The  situation  of  this  disease  is  usually  in 
the  hind  legs,  and  is  considered  hereditary.  At  all  events, 
when  a  horse  is  once  attacked  by  it,  it  is  liable  to  return 
again  with  the  warm  weather. 

Cause. — A  peculiar  condition  of  the  blood,  developed 
by  heat. 

Treatment. — This  disease  in  my  hands,  in  several  car- 
riage horses  which  were  rendered  completely  useless  in 
the  summer  months,  have  not  only  been  cured,  but  it  has 
been  prevented  from  returning,  by  administering  half 
ounce  doses  of  the  sulphite  of  soda,  for  two  weeks  pre- 
vious to  the  hot  weather,  once  a  day ;  and  in  addition,  a 
few  bundles  of  fresh  grass,  cut  from  gentlemen's  garden 
borders,  were  given.  The  soda,  to  neutrahze,  ferments 
in  the  blood,  and  the  grass,  fresh  cut,  to  assist,  by  its 


174  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

action  on  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  ultimately  upon 
the  blood  itself. 

(4.)  Surfeit. — A  disease  in  the  spring  of  the  year  in 
fat  horses,  short  aiid  well  built,  and  is  characterized  by 
tumors  about  the  size  of  a  grain  of  Indian  corn,  covering 
the  whole  body  as  completely  as  the  nettle-rash  does 
that  of  children,  and  does  not  generally  cause  itching, 
nor  yet,  like  some  skin  diseases,  is  it  contagious. 

Cause. — Robust  stamina. 

Treatment, — Give  soft  or  slop  feed  composed  of  bran, 
cut  hay,  cold  water,  and  salt  for  a  few  days.  Give  grass, 
if  it  can  be  had,  without  any  additional  feed.  A  few 
doses  of  the  sulphite  of  soda  will  be  of  advantage. 

Bleeding  and  purging  I  have  seen  arrest  the  tumors 
in  their  growth,  but  unfortunately  they  become  perma- 
nent fixtures,  only  to  be  removed  by  calomel  and  opium,  to 
cause  their  absorption.  Calomel,  thirty  grains;  opium, 
ten  grains;  mix,  and  give  once  a  day,  for  a  week  or  ten 
days.     Good  feeding  w^ill  here  have  to  be  given. 

Ringworm,  Forrigo,,  and  Favus,  are  names  given  to 
this  disease. 

Symptoms. — Small  circular  patches,  or  scales,  some- 
times running  together,  forming  large  crusts  and  ul- 
cers under  them,  in  which  insects  breed.  This  is 
a  contagious  disease,  and  is  communicated  from  man 
to  animals,  and  animals  to  man.  The  microscope 
has  shown  the  presence  of  fungi  in  the  scab  of  ring- 
worm, but  whether  it  be  merely  the  effect  of  the  disease, 
is  not  at  present  known.  It  is,  however,  more  likely  to 
be  the  cause. 

Treatment. — Wash  and  keep  the  parts  clean,  and  aim 
at  destroying  the  fungi;  and  for  this  purpose  remove  the 
scab  as  soon  as  formed,  and  apply  a  solution  of  oxalic 


SORE   NECK.  175 

acid  to  the  surface,  fifteen  grains  of  the  acid  to  an  ounce 
of  water.  Tar  ointment,  creasote,  sulphur,  and  mercury, 
have  all  been  tried ;  but  none  of  these  meet  with  so  much 
success,  as  the  solution  of  oxalic  acid  just  recommended. 
For  other  diseases  of  the  skin,  see  Grease,  Mallenders,  Sal- 
lenders,  Tumors,  and  Boils. 

Slobbering. — This  is  produced  in  horses  by  many 
causes.  Large  doses  of  aconite,  veratrum,  sore,  or  scald 
mouth,  and  in  some  cases  of  poisoning.  Slobbering  from 
eating  second  crop  clover,  will  be  found  treated  of  under 
the  article  Salivation,  (which  see.) 

Slough — Is  the  separation  of  a  diseased,  or  dead 
part  from  the  healthy  portion.  A  slough  may  be  of 
more  or  less  thickness,  and  may  include  the  skin  and 
flesh  to  a  considerable  depth,  as  from  the  centre  of  an 
abscess.     (See  Gangrene  and  Mortification.) 

Sores. — Healthy  and  unhealthy  sores  occur  in,  or  on, 
all  parts  of  the  body  of  the  horse.  Healthy  sores  are 
best  treated  by  the  tincture  of  aloes,  or  myrrh,  or  sim- 
ple ointment.  (See  Medicines  and  Prescriptions^)  Un 
healthy  sores  should  be  treated,  first,  by  the  application 
of  some  caustic,  or  powdered  blue  stone,  nitrate  of  silver, 
or  caustic  potassa,  which  will  make  an  unhealthy  sore  a 
simple  and  healthy  one,  to  be  treated  as  the  above. 

Sore  Mouth. — (See  Mouth  Diseases.) 

Sore  Foot. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Sore  Throat. — (See  Catarrh,  Cold,  and  Bronchitis.) 

Sore  Back. — Re-stufi"  the  saddle,  and  apply  the  tinc- 
ture of  aloes  or  myrrh. 

Sore  Shoulders. — See  to  the  collar,  and  apply  as  to 
the  above. 

Sore  Neck, — There  is  a  variety  of  sore  neck  on  the 


176  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

place  where  the  collar  rests  and  presses,  when  descend- 
ing a  hill  in  double  team,  which  is  very  troublesome, 
and  difficult  to  heal,  if  the  horse  be  kept  at  work,  and 
causes  the  animal  great  irritation  and  uneasiness;  and 
when  the  hand  is  laid  upon  it,  the  horse,  if  he  be  a  spi- 
rited animal,  will  plunge  in  the  stall,  and  even  kick, 
however  quiet  he  may  be  at  other  times. 

Treatment. — Apply  simple  ointment,  and  place  a  firm, 
but  strong  piece  of  leather  over  it,  before  the  collar  is 
put  on,  for  it  to  rest  and  slide  over,  instead  of  upon  the 
mane  and  neck. 

Soundness — Is  when  a  horse  has  nothing  about  him, 
that  does  or  is  likely  to  interfere  with  his  feeding,  work- 
ing, and  general  usefulness. 

Spavin — Is  a  variety  of  disease  affecting  the  hock- 
joint;  but  spavin  is  not  now  looked  upon  as  in  the 
days  of  Oliver  Goldsmith  and  William  Shakspeare.  Be- 
cause in  the  minds  of  those  distinguished  men,  and  of 
some  of  their  readers  of  the  present  time,  spavin  is  an 
enormous  enlargement  of  the  hock  of  the  horse ;  whereas, 
in  some  of  the  worse  forms  of  spavin,  there  is  no  en- 
largement at  all;  and  yet,  the  hock  joint  is  completely 
destroyed,  stiff,  or  anchylosed.  Shakspeare  thus  refers 
to  Petruchio's  horse: — ^*His  horse  hipped  with  an  old 
mothy  saddle,  the  stirrups  of  no  kindred:  besides  pos- 
sessed with  the  glanders,  and,  like  to  mose  in  the  chine, 
troubled  with  the  lampas,  infected  with  the  fashions,  full 
of  wind  galls,  sped  with  spavins^  raied  with  the  yellows, 
past  cure  of  the  fives,  stark  spoiled  with  the  staggers, 
begnawn  with  the  bots,  swayed  in  the  back,  and  shoulder 
shotten,  ne'er  legged  before,  and  with  a  half-cheeked  bit, 
and  a  head  stall  of  sheep's  leather.'' 


SPAVINS.  177 

(1.)  Bog  Spavin. — This  kind  of  spavin  is  situated  in 
front  of  the  hock-joint,  and  is  a  soft,  fluctuating  swelling, 
which  rarely  ever  causes  lameness.  It  is  merely  an  en- 
largement or  distention  of  the  bursal  cavity  of  the  joint, 
and  is  filled  with  the  natural  fluid  of  the  joint,  but  in- 
creased in  quantity,  and  possibly,  in  some  cases,  a  little 
changed  in  quality  also. 

(2.)  Blood  Spavin. — Is  the  same  as  bog  spavin,  but 
more  extensive,  and  generally  involving  the  hock-joint 
on  its  three  sides,  front,  inside,  and  outside,  and  giving 
to  the  limb  a  thick,rounded  appearance,  called  thorough- 
pin,  (which  see.)  The  swelling  is  soft  and  fluctuating, 
and  indeed  there  is  no  perceptible  difiference  in  the  na- 
ture and  result  of  this  form  of  spavin,  and  the  above  va- 
riety, only  being  more  extensive,  interfering,  perhaps, 
with  the  flow  of  blood  in  the  sub-cutaneous,  or  vein  under 
the  skin,  which  is  seen  in  front,  and  partly  to  the  side  of 
the  joint,  adding  very  little  to  the  general  swelling. 

Causes. — Hard  work  and  fast  driving,  especially  when 
horses  are  young. 

Treatment. — The  application  of  the  ointment  of  red 
iodide  of  mercury,  in  the  hands  of  some,  has  done  much 
good;  but  the  enlargement  is  apt  to  return  when  the 
horse  is  again  put  to  work,  from  the  fact  that  the  more 
joint-oil,  or  fluid  is  poured  out,  and  hence  the  cause  of 
its  return.  Acupuncturation,  or  forcing  small  steel  in- 
struments into  the  swelling  to  let  out  the  fluid,  after 
which  a  bandage  or  truss  is  fitted  to  the  part  to  press  out 
the  fluid  that  remains,  and  to  cause  adhesion  of  the  parts 
together  are  sometimes  resorted  to.  The  difficulty  in  cur- 
ing soft  spavin,  is  the  danger  of  opening  into  a  cavity  or 
joint  containing  oil,  (synovia.)  An  old  way  of  treating  such 
11 


178  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

disease,  was  by  striking  the  parts  with  a  mallet,  so  as  to 
break  the  skin,  so  that  the  fluid  would  escape ;  and  the 
blow  given  to  the  skin  being  so  great  as  to  set  up  adhe- 
sive inflammation,  and  closure  of  the  opening. 

(3.)-  Bone  Spavin. — Consists  in  the  sprouting  out  of 
irregular  boney  matter  frora  the  bones  of  the  joint,  pre- 
venting their  smooth  and  proper  action  over  one  another, 
and  causing  lameness.  This  bony  growth  sometimes 
grows  to  a  good  size,  and  in  some  cases  we  find  one  or 
two  of  the  bones  only  involved ;  at  others  nearly  all  of 
them  are  aff'ected.  The  situation  of  bone  spavin  is  on 
the  inside,  and  in  front  of  the  joint. 

Symptoms. — When  horses  are  what  is  called  breeding 
bone  spavin,  ordinary  persons  think  and  say  the  lame- 
ness is  in  in  the  hip,  (see  Hock)  from  the  action  which 
is  reflected  by  the  muscles  of  the  hip  at  every  movement 
made  by  the  hock-joint,  and  from  the  fact  that  there  is 
no  enlargement  as  yet  in  the  joint.  The  horse  is  lame 
on  starting,  but  gets  better  after  a  little  while.  After 
standing  will  start  lame  again.  In  the  stable,  he  shifts 
one  hind  leg  after  another,  and  when  resting  the  lame 
leer,  he  stands  on  the  toe.  Pain  and  lameness  cease  when 
the  joint  is  consolidated,  although  remaining  a  little  stifi*. 

(4.)  Occult  Spavin. — This  is  a  disease  similar  to 
bone  spavin,  the  difi'erence  being  no  enlargement  of  the 
joint  whatever,  although  the  bones  of  the  joint  are  all 
diseased,  immovable  and  stifi*.  This  disease  seems  to 
puzzle  and  perplex  horsemen,  because  they  cannot  com- 
prehend a  bone  spavin  without  an  enlargement  of  the 
joint  outside;  and,  consequently,  the  poor  horse  is  some- 
times blistered  and  tormented  in  every  part  of  the  leg, 
but  the  right  place.     The  cause,  results,  and  eff'ects  of 


SPLINT.  179 

this  disease  are  the  same  as  in  bone  spavin,  excepting 
there  is  no  enlargement. 

Treatment, — For  the  two  varieties  of  spavin,  just  de- 
scribed, the  treatment  will  be  the  same.  In  young 
horses,  the  red  iodide  of  mercury  in  ointment,  is  the 
proper  treatment.  One  drachm  of  biniodide  of  mercury 
and  one  ounce  of  lard.  Mix,  and  apply  once  in  a  week, 
and  lard  the  parts  once  a  day,  till  the  next  application. 

Old  horses  should  have  a  liniment  applied,  once  every 
second  day,  to  the  parts.  Oil  of  olives,  two  ounces ; 
oil  of  turpentine,  one  ounce ;  creosote,  one  ounce.  Mix. 
This  will  relieve  the  pain,  and  to  a  great  degree  the 
lameness;  also,  spavined  horses  should  be  allowed  an 
extra  allowance  of  feed,  to  keep  them  in  condition  equal 
to  their  more  healthy    and  fortunate  neighbors. 

Specks  on  the  Eye. — (See  Eye  Diseases.) 

Speedy  Cut. — Is  an  injury  to  the  knee  from  the  shoe 
of  the  opposite  fore-foot,  and  is  prevented  by  driving 
slower,  and  nailing  the  shoe  on  one  side  only. 

Treatment. — The  application  of  cold  water  cloths,  and 
if  the  swelling  does  not  all  go  away,  follow  with  the  ap- 
plication of  the  red  iodide  of  mercury,  in  the  form  of 
an  ointment,  once  a  week  for  a  few  times,  and  lard  or 
grease  the  parts  till  the  next  application.  Boots  are 
sometimes  used  as  a  preventative. 

Spleen  Diseases. — The  diseases  of  this  organ  are 
obscure,  and  chiefly  consist  of  enlargements^  tubercles^ 
softening.,  rupture,  and  tumors..  The  symptoms  attend- 
ing these  affections  are  not  well  marked. 

Splint- — A  small  bony  enlargement,  situated  usually 
on  the  inside  of  the  fore-legs,  about  midway  between  the 
knee  and    the  pastern  joint.     When    splint   begins    to 


180  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

grow,  they  sometimes  produce  lameness  by  stretching 
the  covering  of  the  bone,  which  however  soon  accommo- 
dates itself  to  the  altered  structure. 

Cause. — Working  horses  when  too  young,  and  before 
the  leg  and  splint  bone  have  become  united.  Hence, 
splints  disappear  when  the  horse  grows  older,  and  the 
unity  of  these  bones  take  place. 

Treatment. — One  or  two  applications  of  the  ointment 
of  red  iodide  of  mercury,  or  tincture  of  Spanish  fly,  one 
ounce;  oil  of  croton,  twenty  drops.  Mix,  and  apply 
with  rubbing. 

Sprains. — By  this  term  is  meant  partial  displacement, 
twisting  of  a  joint  with  more  or  less  injury  to  the  articu- 
lations, ligaments,  tendons  and  their  sheaths,  and  even 
small  portions  of  the  bones  of  the  joint  are  separated. 
Indeed,  every  variety  and  degree  of  severity  is  to  be  seen 
in  sprains  of  different  parts.  Every  joint  is  liable  to 
sprain,  but  the  usual  or  more  common  sprains  will  be 
found  in  the  pastern  or  fetlock  joint,  shoulder  and  its 
joint,  hock,  stifle,  back  and  loins^  flexor  tendon,  suspen- 
sory ligaments,  etc.,  produced  by  a  common  cause,  slip- 
ping, falling,  and  over  work,  and  the  weight  of  the  body, 
and  not  unfrequently  the  load  falling  upon  a  part,  when 
not  in  its  proper  position  for  receiving  it. 

Symptoms. — Pain,  heat,  swelling,  tenderness  and  lame- 
ness, more  or  less  severe,  depending  on  the  severity  of 
the  sprain,  and  the  part  affected.  In  severe  sprains, 
care  must  be  taken  to  guard  against  mistakes,  and  to 
form  a  correct  judgment  of  the  nature  of  the  injury, 
whether  it  be  a  real  or  simple  sprain,  or  whether  there  be 
fracture  or  dislocation. 

Treatment. — Absolute  and  entire  rest,  is  the  principa 
point  to  be  attended  to  in  the  cure  of  sprains,  for  no 


STAGGERS.  181 

sprain  cannot  be  cured  without  rest,  no  matter  what 
other  remedies  are  employed  ;  and,  if  there  be  much 
fever  and  excitement  about  the  horse,  a  few  doses  of 
aconite  will  have  to  be  given.  Tincture  of  aconite  root, 
fifteen  drops,  three  times  in  the  day  for  two  days,  will 
remove  fever  and  irritation. 

Then  apply  warm  water  cloths  for  three  days,  followed 
by  cold  water  cloths  for  the  same  length  of  time,  taking  the 
cloths  off  at  night,  as  it  is  necessary  that  water  must  be 
poured  on  the  cloths  every  hour,  or  before  the  warm  ones  be- 
come cold,  and  the  cold  ones  become  warm.  After  which 
time  the  lameness  and  swelling  will  have  ceased,  or  whether 
this  be  not  the  case,  apply  for  a  few  days,  once  a  day, 
the  following  liniment  :  creosote,  one  ounce ;  oil  of  tur- 
pentine, one  ounce  ;  oil  of  olives,  two  ounces  ;  mix.  Be 
assured  the  horse  is  quite  well  before  he  is  put  to  work 
again,  as  many  joint-diseases  are  brought  on  by  mis-man- 
aged sprains,  which  never  can  be  cured.  For  sprains  of 
different  parts  of  the  body, — (See  Shoulder  and  Shoulder 
Joint  Sprains,  etc.J 

Staggers- — A  disease  familiar  to  every  horseman, 
a  serious  disease,  and  presenting  different  symptoms  in 
different  horses,  depending  to  what  extent  the  brain  and 
nervous  centres  are  affected,  and  whether  the  variety  be 
mad,  grass,  stomach,  or  sleepy  staggers. 

(1.)  Stomach  Staggers. — This  is  an  attack  of  acute 
indigestion,  from  overloading  the  stomach ;  digestion  is 
arrested,  fermentation  is  set  up,  and  the  evolution  or 
giving  off  of  carbonic  acids  gas  distending  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  and  pressing  on  the  space  alloted  for  the 
lungs  to  play  in,  depriving  them  from  aeriating  the  blood, 
thereby   affecting  the  healthy  action  of  the   brain  and 


182  DISEASES    OF   THE   HORSE. 

nervous  cenres,  and  consequent  death  of  the   horse  in 
from  twelve  to  twenty  hours. 

Treatment. — Injections  of  warm  water  and  soap,  and 
a  handful  of  salt  to  clean  out  the  bowels,  so  the  gas  can 
get  free  passage.  Arrest  fermentation  by  dissolving  two 
ounces  of  the  sulphite  of  soda  in  a  little  water,  to  be 
given  at  one  dose,  the  dose  to  be  repeated  every  hour. 
Eight  drachms  of  powdered  aloes  should  be  given,  mixed 
in  a  little  warm  water,  and  drench  the  horse  with  it  to 
stimulate  digestion,  and  open  the  bowels. 

(2.)  Grass  or  Sleepy  Staggers. — Is  a  chronic 
variety  of  stomach  staggers,  and  should  be  treated  as 
for  the  above  variety. 

(3.)  Mad  Staggers. — This  is  inflammation  of  the 
brain,  and  is  sometimes  called  Plirenitis. 

Sy^nptoms. — Dulness,  followed  by  excitement  and  mad- 
ness. The  sleepy  stage,  or  the  congestive  period  passing 
off,  then  the  madness  is  seen,  and  the  horse  unconsciously 
throws  and  dashes  himself  about,  and  some  times  endeav- 
vors  to  climb  up  the  wall,  and  at  other  times,  ropes  will 
have  to  be  used  to  keeph  im  from  pulling  back,  and  be- 
coming unmanageable,  and  destroy  other  horses,  harness, 
carriages,  and  even  the  stable  itself.  Such  is  the  power 
of  a  mad  horse, — a  painful  sight  to  see.  Finally  he 
becomes  exhausted,  falls  and  dies, — a  great  relief  indeed. 

Treatment. — The  horse  is  not  worth  saving,  and  rarely 
can  be  saved ;  for  nothing  can,  or  will,  give  relief  to  a  mad 
horse,  but  bleeding,  and  this  to  so  great  an  extent  that 
life  does  not  rally ;  and  the  horse  dies,  a  dull,  stupid,  and 
immovable  mass,  which  can  neither  eat,  drink,  nor  digest. 
The  brain  is  pressed  with  fluid  and  lymph,  between  the 
pia  matter  and  the  archnoid. 


STINGS.  183 

Remove  a  mad  horse,  as  soon  as  observed,  from  any 
thing  of  value,  that  can  be  broken  or  hurt,  or  remove  the 
things,  or  other  horses,  from  the  mad  one,  before  it  is  too 
late. 

Staked- — An  accident  to  some  portion  of  the  body, 
but  most  frequently  to  the  belly,  by  horses  leaping  fences, 
or  it  may  be  by  the  horn  of  an  ox,  cow,  or  bull. 

Treatment. — If  the  injury  be  on  the  belly,  and  the 
wound  deep,  and  have  entered  the  belly,  ascertain,  with 
the  finger,  whether  any  portion  of  the  bowels  are  injured, 
or  if  any  portion  of  the  bowels  has  escaped  through  the 
opening;  and  if  so,  and  part  of  them  be  torn,  sew  with 
small,  fine  cat-gut,  (which  is  used  by  fishers  with  the  rod, 
and  with  artificial  flies,)  and  pass  the  bowel  or  intestine 
into  its  proper  place,  and  close  the  wound  in  the  same 
way  as  is  recommended  for  rupture  of  the  belly,  (which 
see.)  If  the  skin  is  only  wounded,  treat  it  as  for  simple 
sore.  If  the  wound  is  in  a  fleshy  part,  and  the  skin 
peeled  or  torn  from  the  flesh,  it  had  better  be  clipped  ofi", 
as  it  will  not  unite  again,  but  shrink  and  dry  up ;  hence, 
it  is  not  advisable  to  let  it  hang,  nor  attempt  to  sew  it. 
Trim  ofi"  the  fragments  of  loose  skin,  and  treat  the  wound 
with  a  weak  solution  of  blue  stone,  chloride,  or  sulphate 
of  zinc.  (See  Medicines  and  Prescriptions,  and  Bleeding 
Wounds.) 

Stings  from  Bees,  Hornets,  etc — Not  unfrequently 

we  hear  of  horses  losing:  their  lives  from  irritation  and 
fever,  set  up  from  the  efi'ects^of  stings  from  those  insects. 
Treatment. — Take  acetic  acid  No.  8,  four  ounces, 
powdered  camphor,  one  ounce;  mix,  and  dissolve,  then 
rub  a  portion  of  this  mixture  into  the  parts  most  afl'ected. 
The  poison,  swelling,  irritation,  etc.,  will  be  at  once  ar- 
rested.    In   an  hour  afterwards,  anoint  the  parts  with 


184  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

sweet  oil  or  lard.  As  acetic  acid  may  not  be  at  hand  in 
an  emergency  like  this,  strong  table,  or  white  wine  vine- 
gar should  be  used,  without  the  camphor.  Acetic  acid 
of  the  French,  is  eight  times  stronger  than  ordinary  vine- 
gar. 

Stifle  Joint  Lameness. — In  the  article  Hock- Joint, 
I  have  stated  that  this  form  or  situation  of  lameness  in 
the  horse,  is  not  so  common  as  horsemen  and  others  sup- 
pose it  to  be;  nevertheless,  no  part  or  function  can  be 
declared  exempt  from  accident  and  disease.  It  is  chiefly, 
however,  an  aifection  of  young  colts,  on  uneven  ground, 
and  arises  from  wearing  away  the  toe  of  the  foot,  thus 
inducing  dislocation  of  the  stifle,  or  patella,  which  slides 
ofi"  the  rounded  heads  of  the  bones,  at  every  step  the  ani- 
mal takes.     (See  Patella.) 

Treatment — Remove  the  horse  to  level  pasture,  and 
have  him  shod  with  a  shoe,  having  a  projecting  piece  of 
iron  attached  to  the  toe  of  the  shoe,  which  will  prevent 
the  bones  from  sliding  out  of  place,  and  knuckling  at  every 
step. 

Stifle  Ulceration. — This  is  a  disease  of  the  half- 
moon  shaped  cartilages  of  the  joint,  and  a  serious  dis- 
ease, as  all  joint  aff'ections  commonly  are. 

Symptoms. — The  leg  is  held  firmly,  and  forward  of  the 
other,  and  is  thrown  outwards  at  every  step.  The  joint 
is  enlarged,  and  the  capsular  ligament  very  much  dis- 
tended, especially  when  the  animal's  weight  is  thrown 
upon  it,  by  holding  up  the  sound  leg. 

Treatment. — Not  satisfactory;  as  ulceration  is  gene- 
rally progressive  in  its  character,  and  frequently  destroys 
the  heads  of  the  bones.  But  the  ointment  of  the  red 
iodide  of  mercury  may  be  tried. 

Bin-iodide  of  mercury,  one  drachm;    hog's  lard,  one 


STRANGUARY.  185 

ounce;  mix,  and  apply  with  rubbing  with  the  hand,  once 
a  week,  for  a  month.  Lard  or  oil  the  parts  daily,  be- 
tween each  application. 

Stomach  Diseases- — (See  Gastritis  Mucosa,  Stag- 
gers, Colic  and  Enteritis.) 

Stone  in  the  Bladder. — Are  those  concretions 
named  calculi,  formed  in  the  bladder  from  a  diseased 
condition  of  the  urine. 

Symptoms. — Pain,  occasional  stoppage  in  the  stream 
of  the  urine  before  all  is  passed,  a  straddling  gait. 

Treatment. — Is  the  province  of  surgery. 

Strains. — (See  Sprains.) 

Strangles. — This  is  an  eruptive  fever,  characterized 
by  swelling  in  and  between  the  bones  of  the  lower  jaw,  ter- 
minating in  an  abscess. 

Cause. — A  specific  poison  in  the  blood,  which  few,  if 
any  horses  which  live  ten  years,  ever  escape.  It  espe- 
cially attacks  young  horses,  but  it  is  often  seen  in  horses 
of  increased  years.  Sometimes,  the  enlargement  or  ab- 
scess of  the  strangles,  is  seen  on  the  side  of  the  face,  and 
even  on  other  portions  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — Give  the  horse  grass,  or  soft  feed,  and 
little  or  no  medicine.  The  appetite  will  return  when  the 
abscess  is  opened,  or  breaks  of  itself.  This  is  the  great  se- 
cret in  the  treatment  of  strangles.  Do  not  poultice  the 
swelling,  as  it  will  only  thickens  the  skin.  If  any  thing 
is  to  be  done  to  hasten  the  abscess,  rub  in  a  little  of  the 
ointment  of  Spanish  fly.  (See  Medicines  and  Prescrip- 
tions.) 

Stranguary. — This  is  a  name  given  to  the  urine, 
when  mixed  with  blood,  and  when  pain  is  present  when 
the  horse  is  urinating. 


186  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Cause. — Irritation  of  the  bladder  or  kidneys,  or  both, 
from  the  use  of  the  Spanish  fly,  either  in  the  form  of  a 
blister,  being  too  extensive,  or  too  near  the  loins  and  kid- 
neys, and  from  the  fly  being  given  in  an  improper  man- 
ner, and  in  too  large  doses. 

Symptoms. — Frequent  desire  to  pass  urine,  and  when 
passed,  it  is  in  small  quantities,  and  bloody.  Pain,  irri- 
tation, and  fever,  are  present. 

Treatment. — To  remove  the  pain,  give  twenty  drops 
of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root  every  three  hours,  and  give 
plenty  of  cold  water  to  drink ;  also  flax-seed  tea,  to  home, 
or  drench  down  the  throat  of  the  horse,  to  sheath  the 
parts  from  irritating  substances.  Equal  parts  of  good 
mustard  and  flour,  mixed  with  warm  water,  and  made  into 
a  soft  paste,  and  laid  over  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  or 
small  of  the  back,  and  occasionally  moisten  it  with  warm 
water,  and  cover  it  with  a  dry  cotton  or  linen  cloth. 

Strangulation. — This  is  a  term  applied  to  a  part 
which  is  tightened,  contracted,  or  closed.  Strangulation 
and  stricture  are  terms  implying  difi*erent  degrees  of  the 
same  phenomena.  Thus  we  speak  of  strangulation  of 
the  bowels  from  rupture,  and  of  the  glottis  or  head  of  the 
wind-pipe,  when,  from  some  cause  or  other,  it  is  closed. 
Strangulation  and  death  of  the  horse  is  the  result,  if  no 
opening  be  made  lower  down  in  the  wind-pipe,  to  admit 
atmospheric  air.  Stricture  is  that  condition  of  the  wind- 
pipe or  glottis,  when  contracted  or  pressed  upon  by  en- 
largement of  the  glands  of  the  neck,  or  thickening  of  its 
own  membranes,  diminishing  the  space  or  width  of  its 
caliber,  giving  rise  to  thick  wind,  and  increased  breathing 
and  cough. 

Stringhalt. — This  is  an  affection  of  the  hind  leg,  and 


SUPPURATION.  187 

is  known  by  the  peculiar  way  the  hind  leg  or  legs  are 
raised  from  the  ground — a  quick,  spasmodic  jerk. 

Causes — Are  two  fold.  First.  The  loss  of  nervous 
influence,  whereby  the  extensor  j^edis  muscle,  and  possi- 
bly some  others,  are  deprived  of  their  proper  power. 
Second.  The  peculiar  anatomical  articulation,  and  gene- 
ral structure  of  the  hock-joint  of  the  horse  are  suv:h, 
that  when  the  leg  of  a  dead  horse  is  stripped  of  its  mus- 
cles, the  ligaments  not  disturbed  at  all ;  and  if  the  legs 
above  and  below  the  hock  be  caught  hold  of  by  the 
hands,  and  the  leg  straightened  out,  the  moment  the 
hands  are  taken  from  it,  it  will  spring  into  a  bent  posi- 
tion on  the  instant,  thus  imitating  stringhalt,  as  near  as 
can  be.  Thus  the  balance  of  power  is  not  equal ;  the  ar- 
ticulary  ligaments  of  the  hock  are  stronger  than  the 
muscles  of  the  thigh.  Hence,  the  moment  the  horse 
lifts  his  foot  from  the  ground,  the  leg  is  instantaneously 
snatched  up  by  the  power  of  the  articulating  ligaments. 

Treatment. — Restore  the  lost  nervous  influence;  there- 
by the  muscles  of  the  thigh  are  to  be  brought  into  healthy 
action.  This  will  best  be  done  by  good  feeding,  and  one 
grain  of  strychnia  nux  vomica  given  daily,  for  six 
weeks  in  the  horse's  feed. 

Suppuration. — This  signifies  the  secretion  of  pus, 
and  is  one  of  the  terminations  of  inflammation. 

Symjytoms. — Whenever  suppuration  is  going  on  to  any 
extent  in  or  on  the  body  of  ^he  horse,  a  shivering  fit,  si- 
milar to  a  chill,  will  or  may  be  seen,  folloiffed  in  a  day  or 
so,  either  by  a  discharge  of  a  yellow  pus  from  the  nose, 
or  the  formation  of  an  abscess  on  some  portion  of  the 
body.  Suspect  suppuration  when  rigors  and  shivering 
occur,  especially  after  accidents  of  whatever  kind. 

Treatment. — First.  Support  the  strength  of  the  horse 


188  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

by  good  feeding,  wliereby  the  process  will  soon  be  over, 
and  without  any  complication  with  it.  Second.  Do  not 
physick  or  bleed,  for  those  measures  would  prevent  the 
process  of  suppuration  from  going  on  in  its  original 
place,  and  perhaps  drive  it  to  another.  (See  Metas- 
tasis.) 

Surfeit — (See  Skin  Diseases.) 

Swelled  Legs. — (See  Grease,  Sprains,  Debility,  and 
Dropsy.) 

Swellings. — Are  of  different  kinds — the  hard,  inflam- 
matory swelling  caused  by  injury,  suppuration,  and  dis- 
eased bone — the  soft  and  fluctuating  swelling,  which  is 
generally  circumscribed,  and  seen  in  disease  of  the  joints, 
as  blood  spavin,  etc.,  and  contain  joint  oil — the  dropsical, 
or  soft  and  ?io^-inflammatory  swelling  of  many  and  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  body,  at  one  and  the  same  time.  Each 
must  be  treated  according  to  the  cause  of  the  swelling. — 
(See  Farcy.) 

Sympathy. — Is  that  condition  which  is  developed  in  one 
part  of  the  system  or  body  of  an  animal,  although  not  of 
itself  a  disease,  but  is  on  account  of  disease  or  accident 
happening  to  some  other,  or  remote  portion  of  the  body. 
This  sympathy  is  communicated  through  and  by  the 
nervous  system.  A  nail  in  the  foot,  or  a  broken  bone,  is 
immediately  followed  by  sympathetic  fever,  and  general 
disturbance  of  the  whole  system.  Herein  lays  the  great 
diff*erence  between  the  animal  and  vegetable  life.  A 
branch  of  a  bush  or  a  tree  can  be  lopped  off"  without  any 
disturbance  to  the  life  or  health  of  the  main  trunk.  No 
such  immunity  exists  in  the  animal  creation. 

Synovia. — A  clear,  colorless  and  viscid  fluid,  secreted 
by  the  lining  membrane  of  the  joints,  for  the  purpose  of 


THOROUGHPIN.  189 

preventing  friction,  and  allowing  of  easy  motion  of  the 
heads  of  the  bones  over  one  another.  Synovia  some- 
times changes  in  quality,  becomes  thinner,  and  gives  rise 
to  swellings  of  the  joints.     (See  Blood  and  Bog  Spavin.) 

Synchronous. — This  name  is  applied  to  the  action 
cr  beat  of  the  heart,  when  it  is  in  time  with  the  beat  or 
pulsation  of  an  artery. 

Systole. — The  movement  or  contraction  of  the  heart, 
as  the  systolic  murmur. 

Tabanidoe. — A  species  of  fly  which  are  a  great  an- 
noyance to  horses. 

Tabes. — Wasting  of  the  muscles  of  the  body.  (See 
Mesenterica.) 

Talpae. — A  wart-like  tumor,  easily  removed  with  a 
sharp  pair  of  scissors. 

Teeth. — (See  Mouth  Diseases.) 


TOOTH   FORCEPS. 


Tetanus, — (See  Lock  Jaw.) 

Tetter. — (See  Skin  Diseases.) 

Thick  Wind. — (See  Heaves  and  Broken  Wind.) 

Thick  Leg. — (See  Greas^e  and  Farcy.) 

Thiselo.— (See  Fistula.) 

Thoroughpin. — ^An  affection  of  the  hock-joint,  ac- 
companying bog  and  blood  spavin,  characterized  by  soft, 
fluctuating  swellings,  containing  fluid  or  joint-oil  in  in- 
creased quantity,  and  altered  in  quality. 


190  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Treatment. — The  same  as  for  bog  or  blood  spavin, 
(wliich  see.) 
Thread  Worms. — (See  Worms.) 

Throat  Diseases. — (See  Bronchitis,  Cold,  and  Ca- 
tarrh.) 

Thrush. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Thrombus. — (See  Jugular  Vein.) 

Thumps. — Is  spasm  of  the  diaphragm,  or  the  curtain 
which  hangs  down  and  separates  the  cavity  of  the  abdo- 
men, or  the  bellj  from  the  chest. 

Cause. — Over  driving  and  oppression,  paralyzing  the 
accessory  nerve,  and  hence  the  flapping  of  the  dia- 
phragm. 

Treatment. — Place  the  horse  in  a  cool,  airy  place,  and 
allow  the  animal  plenty  of  cold  water,  and  if  the  noise 
after  an  hour  or  so  does  not  subside,  give  two  bottles  of 
ale  or  porter  as  a  drench. 

Tongue,  Laceration  of. — (See  Mouth  Diseases.) 

Tonics. — (See  Medicines  and  Prescriptions.) 

Toxicology. — (The  science  of  poisons,  and  their 
antidotes.) 

Tracheotomy. — An  operation  for  to  open  the  wind 
pipe,  in  cases  of  closing  of  that  tube  by  tumor, 
or  thickening  of  its  membrane.  It 
is  an  operation  rarely  required,  and 
moreover,  not  to  be  attempted  by  a 
now-professional  person  not  acquain- 
ted with  the  art  and  science  of  sur- 
gery.    Therefore  we  will  forego    a 

description    of  it.  Tkacheotomt   tube. 


TREPANNING. 


191 


Transfusion. — This  means  tlie  transfusion  of  blood 
from  one  living  animal  to  another.  Mr.  James  Farrel, 
of  Dublin,  Ireland,  has  been  the  first  veterinarian  I  am 
aware  of  who  have  employed  transfusion  to  any  extent, 
and  to  excellent  advantage.  In  cases  of  debility  from 
blood  letting,  he  has  done  wonders  with  it,  and  have 
proved  to  his  countrymen  the  danger  of  bleeding  horses 
to  cure  or  prevent  diseases.  For  in  the  cases  which  had 
not  been  bled  he  had  no  trouble  with  them ;  but  in  those 
which  had  been  bled  before  he  had  been  called  to  them, 
every  one  of  them  died.  Hence  he  had  resource  to 
transfusion,  in  order  to  save  others  treated  by  bleed- 
ing.    The  efiect  of  transfusion  is  instantaneous,  almost. 

Tread. — (See  Foot  Diseases.) 

Trepaning. — This  is  an  operation  for  opening  into 
the  bones  of  the  head  or  face,  for  elevating  or  raising  a 
portion  of  bone,  which  from  accident  has  been  depressed, 
or  fractured.     The  instrument  is  called  a  Trephine,  and 


Trephine. 


is  represented  in  the  accompanying  drawing.  This  in- 
strument is  used  to  cut  out  a  circular  portion  of  the  bone, 
so  that  a  smooth  piece  of  iron  is  inserted  in  the  hole,  and 


192  DISEASES    OF   THE   HORSE. 

used   as   a   lever   to   raise  the  depressed  portion  to  its 
proper  level. 

Trismus. — (See  Lock  Jaw.) 

Tubercles. — (See  Glanders.) 

Tumors. — Tumors  may  be  defined  as  circumscribed 
swellings  of  different  sizes,  without  inflammation,  and 
differing  from  one  another,  according  to  their  situation 
and  their  nature. 

(1.)  Encysted  Tumors. — This  is  a  variety  of  tumors 
often  seen  about  the  side  of  the  nose  of  the  horse,  of 
about  the  size  of  a  pullet's  egg,  soft,  and  elastic  to  the 
touch,  with  no  heat,  inflammation,  or  soreness  of  any 
kind. 

Cause. — Closing  of  the  sebaceous  openings  of  the 
part.  Hence  the  elevation,  swelling,  and  filling  up  of 
that  portion  of  the  skin  which  contains  the  sebaceous  or 
suet-like  matter. 

Treatment. — Open  the  part  with  a  knife,  and  inject 
for  a  few  times  into  the  inside  of  the  tumor  a  teaspoon- 
ful  of  the  tincture  of  iodide,  to  kill  the  walls  of  the  cyst. 
The  surgeon  sometimes  dissects  those  tumors  out,  in  the 
form  of  a  soft  ball,  without  opening  them.  This  requires 
a  steady  hand. 


\\  l\    ^■'    Operating   Knife. 

(2.)  Encephaloid. — This  term  means  a  brain-like  tumor, 
so  named  from  its  structure  being  like  that  of  the  brain. 
It  is  one  of  the  kinds  of  cancers  which  sometimes  attacks 
the  horse,  but  more  often  seen  in  the  dog  and  ox. 


TUMORS.  193 

Cause. — A  specific  poison  in  the  blood,  not  as  yet  well 
understood. 

Symptoms. — Solid,  hard  and  irregular  in  shape,  and 
knotty,  with  no  hair  upon  its  ^surface,  and  presenting  a 
smooth  and  shining  aspect.  Those  tumors  grow  rapidly 
and  finally  break  on  the  [top,  and  present  an  angry  and 
malignant  sore  or  ulcer,  which  cannot  be  healed  without 
first  removing  the  tumor,  entire  with  a  knife,  and  treat 
it  as  for  a  simple  sore. 

(3.)  Fibroma. — This  is  a  fibrous  or  warty-like  tumor, 
familiar  to  most  persons,  and  is  attached  chiefly  to  the 
skin  only.  They  are  troublesome  only  so  far  as  they  are 
apt  to  bleed,  and  keep  up  a  degree  of  irritation,  especial- 
ly in  warm  weather  from  the  sweat,  and  the  flies. 

Treatment. — To  those  persons  who  has  not  sufficient 
nerve  to  cut  them  ofi"  with  the  knife,  take  arsenic,  one 
drachm;  hog's  lard,  four  drachms.  Mix,  and  make  an 
ointment,  and  rub  in  and  around  the  tumor,  once  a  week 
a  small  portion  of  the  salve,  and  in  a  short  time  it  will 
fall  ofi". 

Fatty  Tumor. — This  is  a  variety  of  tumor  of  fre- 
quent occurrence  in  horses,  and  is  composed  of  fat  as 
its  name  indicates,  and  is  sometimes  called  adipose  and 
lipoma,  by  the  surgeons  of  continental  Europe. 

Symptoms. — A  round,  ovoid  shape,  with  a  firm  feel, 
but  not  hard  nor  elastic,  or  at  least  not  so  much  so  as 
the  encysted  form. 

Treatment. — Removal  with  a  sharp  knife.  Take  a 
sharp  knife,  first  have  a  twitch  upon  the  horse's  nose,  and 
one  of  the  fore  legs  held  up,  and  cut  a  straight  cut  over 
the  centre  of  the  tumor  through  the  skin  only.  Then 
roll  out  the  ball  of  fat  with  the  fingers,  the  knife  here  is 
of  no  use.     By  simply  opening  the  skin,  and  rolling  out 

13 


^M 


194  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

the  fatty  tumors,  this  is  called  occlusion,  and  when  cleverly 
done,  looks  well. 

(5.)  Cancerous. — (See  Melanosis.) 

(6.)  Mellanoid. — (See  Melanosis.) 

(7.)  Bony  Tumors. — A  species  of  tumors  attacking 
the  bone,  and  is  called  osteosarcoma^  (which  see)  and 
when  attacking  the  head,  it  is  called  osteoporosis.  (Which 
See.) 

(8.)  Yaricose. — The  horse  is  not  often  the  subject  of  var- 
icose tumor  of  the  veins,  simply  from  the  fact  that  no 
garters  or  other  ligatures  are  tied  around  the  legs,  inter- 
fering with  a  free  circulation.  The  saphena  major  how- 
ever, is  the  only  vein  liable  to  varicose,  and  arises  from 
bulging  of  the  hock-joint,  and  in  cases  of  bog,  and  blood 
spavin,  and  thorough  pin.     (Which  see.) 

Tymapanitis. — This  term  means  drumbelly,  such  as 
occurs  in  cases  of  flatulent  colic.     (Which  see.) 

Typhoid. — A  low  form  of  disease,  accompanied 
vvith  fever,  example.  Influenza,  or  catarrhl  fever.  (See 
Influenza,  and  Gastritis  Mucosa.) 

Ulcers. — I  do  not  intend  to  speak  of  internal  ulcers, 
as  of  the  brain,  chest,  or  belly,  as  they  are  beyond  the 
skill  of  the  most  learned,  much  less  the  non-professional 
reader,  but  will  confine  myself  to  external  ulcers,  as  of 
the  skin  and  flesh. 

(1.)  Healthy  Ulcers. — These  are  generally  the  re- 
sult of  an  accident,  or  incision  with  a  knife,  or  other  in- 
strument. Every  sore  which  does  not  heal  by  what  is 
called  the  first  intention,  but  suppurates,  is  called  a 
healthy  ulcer. 


ULCERS.  195 

Treatment. — Most  healthy  ulcers  will  heal  of  them- 
selves: at  most  all  that  is  required  to  be  done,  especially 
in  warm  weather,  is  to  keep  the  granulations,  (which  see) 
from  growing  too  fast,  and  above  the  level  of  the  skin ; 
and  for  this  purpose  apply  a  solution  of  blue  stone,  or 
chloride  of  zinc  as  follows :  —  Chloride  of  zinc,  four 
grains;  rain  water,  one  ounce;  mix.  Or,  powdered  blue 
stone,  two  drachms;  rain  water,  eight  ounces;  mix.  One 
of  these  mixtures  may  be  applied  once  a  day,  just  suffi- 
cient to  moisten  the  sore,  and  keep  proud  flesh  down. 
The  simple  ointment  of  the  drug  stores  is  a  good  healing 
salve,  and  should  always  be  in  the  house  and  at  hand. 

In  neglected  sores,  and  when  proud  flesh  has  grown  up 
above  the  level  of  the  skin  of  the  healthy  part,  take  a 
stick  of  caustic  potassa,  and  hold  on-e  end  with  a  piece  of 
cloth,  or  stick  one  end  in  a  goose  quill,  and  touch  the 
sore  with  the  other  end  of  the  caustic  a  few  times,  till 
the  proud  flesh  turns  black.  Repeat  at  another  time,  if 
necessary.  Keep  the  caustic  in  a  tightly-corked  bottle, 
or  else  it  will  be  dissolved  into  fluid  when  next  wanted. 

Sewing  the  lips  of  wounds  and  sores  together  is  not 
now  much  practised,  as  the  stitches  are  apt  to  rot,  and 
the  parts  swell,  and,  consequently,  the  sewing  gives  way, 
and  only  aggravates  the  sore. 

Adhesive  plaster  is  also  not  advisable,  as,  when  it  is 
put  on  over  the  sore,  it  prevents  the  proper  fluids  of  the 
sore  from  being  discharged,  and  the  moisture  serves  to 
loosen  the  plaster. 

(2.)  Indolent  Ulcers. — This  variety  of  ulcer  or  sore 
usually  attacks  the  skin  of  the  legs  and  heels  of  horses, 
(see  Phagadena,  Grease,  and  Farcy)  eating  down  into 
or  below  the  surrounding  surface,  and  covered  with  a 
whitish-gray  matter,  and,  in  some  few  cases,  small  red 


196  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

spots  are  seen  looking  through  the  white  covering. 
These  are  granulations,  and  are  possibly  at  this  time  un- 
healthy ones. 

Cause, — A  bad  habit  of  the  body  and  blood,  poor 
feeding,  and  debility. 

Treatment — Apply  powdered  blue  stone  to  the  ulcer, 
to  eat  off  the  unhealthy  surface.  Then  apply  a  poultice 
for  the  night,  made  of  any  soft  moist,  material,  say  boiled 
turnips,  carrots,  or  bran  and  flaxseed  meal,  made  with  a 
little  warm  water.  The  face  of  the  poultice  to  be  co- 
vered with  powdered  charcoal  or  brewer's  yeast.  Con- 
tinue the  treatment  with  an  occasional  poultice,  and  the 
solution  of  blue  stone.     (See  Healthy  Ulcers.) 

Feed  the  horse  well,  and  give  half-ounce  doses  of  the 
sulphite  of  soda  once  a  day,  to  purify  and  enrich  the 
blood. 

(3.)  Irritable  Ulcer. — Example — sores  on  the  past- 
ern joint  irritated  by  the  flies,  heat  and  sweat  of  summer. 

Symptoms. — Cannot  be  touched  without  they  bleed; 
angry-looking,  and  very  sore;  highly  inflamed,  and  ex- 
tremely vascular. 

Treatment. — Difficult  to  cure  during  warm  weather, 
but  easily  so  in  moderate  weather,  and  with  no  flies. 

Dress  the  sore  with  oil  of  olives,  one  ounce;  creasote, 
half  an  ounce;  oil  of  turpentine,  half  an  ounce;  mix, 
and  apply  to  the  sore  with  a  piece  of  soft  cloth,  once  a 
day.  Do  not  let  any  of  the  mixture  run  down  on  the 
hair,  which  will,  if  so  treated,  fall  off.  - 

Urinary  Calculi. — (See  Stone  in  the  Bladder.) 

Urine  Bloody. — (See  Hsematuria.) 


VETERINARY   BIOGRAPHY.  197 

Varicose. — The  enlarged  vein  on  the  hock-joint, 
caused  by  bog  and  blood-spavin.  (See  Spavins  and  Tu- 
mors.) 

Venesection. — Bleeding  by  opening  a  vein. 

Ventilation. — Few  persons  are  aware  of  the  vast 
importance  of  pure,  fresh  air,  in  the  maintenance  of  health, 
and  the  prevention  of  disease,  in  both  man  and  beast. 
However  necessary  pure  air  is  in  health,  it  is  still  more  so 
to  an  animal  when  sick  from  fever  and  disease ;  and  indeed 
there  are  diseases  in  which  no  treatment  can  or  will  be 
successful,  no  matter  how  well  they  may  be  treated, 
without  pure  fresh  air  and  cold  water  to  drink.  Show 
me  a  badly  ventilated  stable  or  barn,  and  I  will  show 
you  in  the  spring  of  each  year  horses  fevered  and  dis- 
eased. (See  Disinfectants.)  Coughs,  colds,  lung  fever, 
influenza,  grease,  scratches,  farcy  and  glanders,  are  the 
results  of  bad  ventilation. 

Who  has  not  heard  with  horror  of  the  Black  Hole  at 
Calcutta,  in  which  one  hundred  and  forty-six  men  were 
confined  for  a  few  hours  without  ventilation,  and  only 
twenty-three  survived  the  short  confinement.  Horses  con- 
fined only  for  a  few  hours  without  ventilation,  as  was  the 
case  in  two  military  expeditions  sent  out  by  England — 
one  to  Quiberon,  and  the  other  to  Varna,  in  which  the 
hatches  of  the  ships  were  put  down,  and  only  for  a  short 
time,  but  sufiicient  to  produce  glanders  in  almost  every 
horse  so  confined.  Hence,  it  will  be  perceived  that,  with- 
out good  ventilation,  a  high  standard  of  general  health 
cannot  be  maintained  very  long. 

Veterinary  Biography. 

The  increased  facilities  for  receiving  and  transmitting 
intelligence  to  and  from  all  parts  of  the  world,  make  it 


198  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

an  object  in  a  book,  designed,  as  this  is,  for  the  non-pro- 
fessional reader,  that  he  should  know  something  of  the 
persons,  whose  sayings  and  opinions  he  has  received,  con- 
cerning the  cause,  treatment  and  prevention  of  diseases  of 
stock,  throughout  the  world.  The  history  of  veterinary 
medicine,  has  a  claim  to  greater  antiquity  even  than  that 
of  domestic  medicine,  which  few  will  deny;  or  else  why 
should  Yegetius  have  uttered  these  words: — ^'Ars  veteri- 
nari  post  medicinum  Secunda  est''  and  write  a  book  in 
VIII  volumes,  entitled  "2)e  arte  Veterinarian''  And  fur- 
ther, we  are  assured  of  this  by  concurrent  testimony, 
through  the  writings  of  Homer,  1000  years  before 
Christ,  that  this  science  had  an  existence  in  his  day,  and 
corroborated  by  Herodotus  500  years  later.  Simon,  the 
Athenian  Farrier,  was  practicing  the  art  as  it  then  ex- 
isted, fully  300  years  before  Galen,  and  about  500  years 
before  Celsus,  the  Roman  physician,  had  yet  lived.  How- 
ever, by  order  of  the  Greek  Emperor,  Constantius,  of 
the  seventh  century,  the  various  writings  upon  the  sub- 
ject were  collected,  and  arranged  under  the  title,  Hyp- 
poeratika,  and  were  translated  from  the  original  Greek  into 
Latin,  by  Dr.  Ruelle,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  fourteenth 
century,  by  order  of  Francis  the  First,  King  of  France. 
Ramazzini,  of  Italy,  Sauvage,  of  France,  and  Camper,  of 
Germany,  form  the  connecting  link  between  ancient  and 
more  modern  times,  or  till  the  advent  of  Charles  Vial  de 
Sain  Bell,  the  founder  of  the  first  veterinary  college  in 
England,  in  the  year  1792.  The  first  being  established 
at  Lyons,  France,  in  1761.  Sain  Bell  was  a  man  of  abi- 
lity, a  good  reasoner,  clever,  and  like  his  countrymen, 
very  brilliant.  He  died  before  much  progress  had  been 
made  in  establishing  the  college.  He  was  succeeded  by 
a  dashing  young  medical  student  named  Coleman,  a  favor- 


VETERINARY   BIOGRAPHY.  199 

ite  of  Sir  Astley  Cooper,  the  great  surgeon ;  but  it  is  by 
no  means  clear  that  he  was  so  regarded  by  the  celebrated 
John  Hunter,  as  filling  the  chair  of  so  illustrious  a  pre- 
decessor. However,  he  was  the  means  by  which  veteri- 
nary science  made  considerable  progress. 

The  grave  has,  some  years  ago,  closed  over  his  mortal 
remains;  but  his  writings  are  much  thought  of,  and 
quoted  by  some,  although  other  writings,  more  modern, 
exist.  Where  there  was  but  one  great  teacher,  there  are 
now  many,  and  able.  Among  them  was  Wm.  Youatt, 
known  wherever  the  English  language  is  spoken.  A 
clear  and  indefatigable  writer,  a  great  and  constant  advo- 
cate of  bleeding,  and  blistering,  in  nearly  every  disease; 
however  inadmissable,  many  persons  and  publishers  have 
tried  their  hands  to  elevate  his  works  to  the  new  idea  of 
a  more  rational  and  successful  system ;  yet,  withal,  much 
inconvenience  and  loss,  to  the  agriculturist,  results  from 
consulting  his  works,  when  sickness  overtakes  their  stock. 
He  was  a  bold  and  daring  man.  Many  times  he  allowed 
himself  to  be  bitten  by  mad-dogs ;  and,  strange  to  say, 
he  never  suffered  from  canine  rabies. 

James  Beart  Simmonds,  who  is  still  living,  is  known  in 
this  country  by  his  report  on  the  rinderpest  to  the  Bri- 
tish Parliament,  professor  of  cattle  pathology  to  the  Boy- 
al  Veterinary  College,  and  a  man  of  ability. 

Charles  Spooner,  principal  of  the  college  known  to  the 
readers  of  the  Boyal  Agricultural  Society's  Journal. 
The  Scotch  are  well  represented  by  Professors  Dick,  Dun, 
and  Gamgee.  Mr.  Dick  is  the  founder  of  the  present 
Edinburgh  College,  and  veterinarian  to  the  Highland  and 
Agricultural  Society.  Mr.  Dun  is  sound,  and  learned, 
and  has  carried  off  more  prizes  on  veterinary-agricultural 
subjects,  than  any  other  man.     Mr.  Gamgee  may  justly 


200  DISEASES   OP    THE   HORSE. 

be  called  the  Napoleon  of  veterinary  surgeons;  his 
writings,  though  scientific  to  a  fault,  are  not  for  the  ordi- 
nary reader.  His  work  on  the  rinderpest,  reflects  much 
upon  him  for  his  learning,  and  ability.  The  Irish  agri- 
cultural interests,  are  protected  by  Messrs.  Ferguson,  and 
Parrel.  Edward  Mayhew  is  an  invalid,  and  has  confined 
himself  to  book-making,  and  he  has  shown  the  world  well, 
how  a  man  may  write  books,  when  he  knows  nothing  of 
the  subject  he  is  writing  about.  In  his  works,  the  book- 
making  tact  is  seen  to  advantage ;  yet,  withal,  his  works 
bear  many  evidences  of  the  cleverness  of  a  "Mayhew." 

The  French  are  well,  and  creditably  represented,  by 
Reynal,  and  Boulay;  and  Germany,  by  Herring.  The 
United  States  has  made  great  progress  in  veterinary 
science,  within  these  few  years,  and  especially  in  regard  to 
the  treatment  of  disease.  "The  Massachusetts  cattle  dis- 
ease" seems  to  have  shaken  the  faith  of  the  people  in 
the  writings,  and  recommendations  of  Dr.  Dad;  and  for 
R.  Jennings ;  he  has  spoken  for  himself.  The  various 
state  agricultural  societies,  and  farm-schools,  are  doing 
much,  in  the  way  of  advancing  the  cause  of  a  rational 
system  of  animal  medication,  throughout  the  land.  The 
Philadelphia  Society,  for  the  Promotion  of  Agriculture, 
the  oldest  society  of  the  kind,  in  the  country,  has  long 
been  a  powerful  patron  of  veterinary  science. 

The  Pennsylvania  Farm  School,  orders  a  course  of  lec- 
tures to  be  delivered  before  the  class,  each  session.  The 
New  York  State  Agricultural  Society's  efi'orts  are  gigan- 
tic, practical,  and  in  the  right  direction.  The  secretary, 
B.  P.  Johnson,  Esq.,  is  well  known  throughout  the  coun- 
try, as  devoting  his  life  to  the  cause,  and  advancement  of 
agriculture,  in  all  its  auxiliary  branches.  Massachusetts 
has  no  less   spoken,  through  Mr.  Flint,  her  secretary. 


WEEPING   EYE.  201 

Ohio,  and  other  states  of  the  Union,  might  be  named  in 
this  connection,  but  space  will  not  permit. 

Veterinary  Colleges — Do  not  seem  to  flourish  in 
this  country;  the  one  at  Boston  has  long  ago  closed  its 
doors.  In  Philadelphia,  the  ''Merchants'  Veterinary 
College,"  bids  fair,  however,  to  be  a  success,  under  the 
guidance  of  Prof.  Robert  McClure,  to  whom  all  inquiries, 
in  regard  to  the  college,  should  be  addressed.  Diplomas 
are  issued  on  the  first  of  March,  each  year,  to  students, 
and  honorary  members. 

Vives. — A  term  given  to  bastard,  or  an  irregular  va- 
riety of  strangles.     (See  Strangles.) 

Warts. — (See  Tumors.) 

Warranty. — A  form  of  certificate  given  on  the  pur- 
chase or  payment  for  a  horse.  There  is  nothing  myste- 
rious, nor  yet  of  much  importance,  as  to  the  form  of  a 
warranty.  The  best  forms  ammount  to  nothing,  in  the 
eyes  of  the  law.  Horses  are  like  other  merchandise.  If 
not  as  represented,  damages  or  difi*erenc.e  in  value  can  be 
obtained  by  a  process  of  law,  providing  the  seller  can  be 
found,  and  whether  he  has  property  which  can  be  levied 
upon.  'Tis  true,  in  such  a  case,  an  action  in  tort  may  be 
brought  whereby  if  payment  is  not  made,  he  can  be  sent  to 
prison  for  awhile,  or  till  he  can  claim  the  benefit  of  the 
insolvent  act. 

Few  persons  will  bring  an  action  at  court  for  swind- 
ling, or  getting  money  under  false  pretenses,  by  horse 
dealing,  which  action  will  be  diflBcult  to  maintain,  and 
get  a  verdict  upon  it.     (See  Soundness.) 
Warbles. — (See  Skin  Diseases.) 
Water  Farcy. — (See  Dropsy  and  Farcy.) 
Weeping  Eye. — As  its  name  indicates  is  a  flow  of 


202  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

tears  from  tlie  eye  down  the  side  of  the  face,  instead  of 
through  their  proper  channel. 

Cause. — Obstruction  in  the  lachrymal  sac,  or  nasal 
duct,  from  a  disease  cdiWQdi  fistula  lachrymalis. 

Treatment. — This  is  the  province  of  the  surgeon  and 
anatomist. 

Wens. — The  common  name  for  external  tumors. 

Wheezing. — This  is  a  sound  given  from  the  horse, 
having  enlarged  glands,  or  thickening  of  the  membrane 
of  the  wind  pipe,  or  the  glands  pressing  upon  its  head 
decreasing  its  calibre.  Whistling  is  caused  by  the  same 
alteration  of  structure  in  the  wind-pipe. 

Whirl-Bone,  a  Sprain  of —(See  Sprains  and 
Hock.) 

Wind-Sucking.— (See  Crib-Biter.) 

Worms. — The  worms  which  inhabit  the  body  of  the 
horse  are  of  many  varieties.  Some  of  them  are  harmless, 
and  the  others  interfere  with  the  health  of  the  horse.  1st. 
The  bot  or  oeestrus  equi,  found  inhabiting  the  stomach. 
2d.  The  oestrus  Hcemorrhoidalis  or  Fundament  bot 
found  in  the  rectum,  and  often  seen  about  the  anus,  and 
under  the  tail.  3d.  The  strongylus,  and  Filaria.,  found 
in  the  aorta,  and  other  blood  vessels.  4th.  The  asea- 
rides  vermicularis,  found  in  small  cells  within  the  mucous 
covering  the  coecum,  or  blind  gut.  5th.  Filaria,  found 
in  the  aqurous  humour  of  the  eye. 

(1.)  Stomach  Bot. — These  worms  are  the  result  of 
turning  horses  out  to  pasture  in  the  summer  months,  and 
are  produced  from  the  eggs  laid  or  glued  to  the  fore  legs 
of  the  horse,  by  the  bot  fly. 

Symptoms. — An  unthrifty  coat,  and  loss  of  flesh  after 


WORMS  203 

a  run  at  grass,  may  be  taken  as  an  indication  that  bots 
are  present  within  the  stomach. 

Treatment. — Improve  the  condition  of  the  horse,  so 
that  the  debilitating  effects  of  the  bot's  presence  may  not 
interfere  with  the  general  health  and  condition  of  the 
horse,  for  it  must  be  born  in  mind  that  no  medicine  can, 
or  will,  dislodge  or  destroy  those  parasites  short  of  kil- 
ling the  horse,  also.  Once  the  eggs  are  into  the  stomach, 
which  is  the  natural  nursery  for  their  protection,  and 
propagation  of  their  species,  therefore  they  cannot  be 
removed  by  force.  In  one  year  from  the  time  the  eggs 
are  taken  into  ^the  stomach,  will  the  bot  be  a  perfect 
chrysalis,  and  will  fall  from  the  coats  of  the  stomach, 
and  be  expelled  with  the  excreta  or  dung,  and  in  a  short 
time  after  they  will  be  provided  with  wings,  and  fly  about 
and  commence  the  propagation  of  their  species,  which 
pass  through  the  same  period  of  probation  or  incubation, 
as  the  original  progenitors  of  their  race.  Give  iron  and 
gentian,  in  addition  to  good  feeding,  to  prevent  the  bots 
from  delibitating  the  animal  too  much.  Powdered  sul- 
phate '  of  iron  and  gentian  root,  each  three  drachms. 
Mix,  and  make  one  dose,  to  be  repeated  twice  a  week, 

(2.)  Fundament  Bot. — Like  the  stomach,  but  are 
also  the  result  of  a  run  to  the  grass ;  but  instead  of  the 
eggs  being  deposited  upon  the  legs,  they  are  stuck  to  the 
muzzle  or  lips  of  the  horse,  and  are  the  color  of  the 
skin,  hence  not  often  seen. 

Symptoms, — The  following  year,  during  the  summer 
months,  the  larva  of  this  species  will  be  seen  sticking 
about  the  anus,  and  under  the  tail,  which  in  spirited 
horses  prove  a  source  of  great  uneasiness  and  irritation. 

Treatment. — Injections  of  linseed  oil,  or  tobacco 
smoke. 


204  DISEASES    or   THE   HORSE. 

(3.)  Strongylus. — This  variety,  and  a  species  of 
Faliria,  are  sometimes  found  in  the  blood  vessels,  and  are 
similar  in  the  effects  produced  in  the  horse,  to  those  seen 
in  sheep  affected  with  rot. 

Cause. — Feeding  on  wet  and  marshy  land,  and  pas- 
ture having  been  flooded  with  water.  Who  has  not  heard 
of  the  effects  produced  from  this  cause,  in  animals  grazed 
upon  the  course  of  the  river  Nile,  in  Egypt  after  each 
inundation? 

Treatment. — Support  the  strength  by  good,  generous 
feeding,  and  give  iron,  and  gentian,  each  two  to  three 
drachms  once  a  day,  and  remove  the  animal  to  high  and 
dry  pasture, 

(4.)    ASCARIDES. 

Cause. — A  bad  habit  of  body,  called  cachexia  and 
chlorosis. 

Treatment. — Give  iron,  gentian,  arsenious  acid,  in  the 
following  manner :  powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  two 
drachms ;  gentian  root,  two  drachms ;  arsenic,  five  grains. 
Mix,  and  give  in  one  dose  in  mixed,  cut  or  soft  feed, 
twice  or  three  times  a  week. 

Wounds — Are  divided  into  simple,  incised,  contused, 
lacerated,  punctured  and  poisoned.  Wounds  are  danger- 
ous, when  entering  into  cavities,  as  the  chest  and  belly, 
and  from  poisoned  wounds,  or  from  the  bite  of  a  mad 
dog.     (See  Bites.) 

Wounds  following  by  bleeding,  will  be  found  treated 
of  under  the  article  bleeding  wounds.     (Which  See.) 

Contused^  lacerated  and  punctured  wounds  are  gen- 
erally followed  by  suppuration,  (Which  See)  which 
should  be  encouraged  by  warm  poultices  applied  to  the 
parts,  and  open  the  parts  freely,  to  allow  the  pus  free 


ZUMINS.  205 

escape.  Wounds  entering  the  belly  or  chest,  should  be 
treated  by  placing  a  pad  over  the  part  to  exclude  the 
air,  and  application  used  as  for  simple  wounds.  Keep 
down  pain  by  giving  twenty  drops  of  the  tincture  of 
aconite  root,  three  times  a  day,  for  two  days  only.  Poi- 
soned wounds  will  be  found  treated  of  under  the  article 
bites  of  mad  dog.     (Which  See.) 

Wourali. — A  name  given  to  a  poison,  which  is  pre- 
pared by  the  Macousi  Indians,  of  South  America,  and 
used  by  them  on  the  points  of  their  arrows.  This  poi- 
son has  been  advocated  by  some  in  the  treatment  of 
locked-jaw,  in  the  horse,- but  in  my  hands  nothing  favor- 
able can  be  said  of  it  as  a  cure  for  this  terrible  disease. 
The  power  of  this  poison  is  so  great,  that  an  ox,  of  one 
thousand  pounds  weight,  was  pierced  in  each  thigh  with 
an  arrow,  poisoned  with  it.  The  poison  took  effect  in 
four  minutes,  and  in  a  few  minutes  more  his  head  and 
legs  ceased  to  move,  and  in  twenty  minutes  from  the 
time  he  was  wounded,  the  ox  was  dead,  and  apparently 
dying  without  pain. 

Yellows. — Discoloration  of  parts  of  the  skin  from  liver 

disease.     (See  Liver.) 

Yellow  Water. — (See  Liver  Diseases.) 
Zoology. — The  natural  history  of  animals. 
Zumins. — (See  Ferments.) 


PART  II. 


ox^t  antr  &utiU  mt^itims. 


No.  1,  Minumum  or  Drop  Measure. 


No.  2,  Graduated  Measure. 


No.  3,  Balance  weighing  one  grain  to  a  few  ounces. 


Nos.  4  and 


5,  Wedgewood  Mortars. 


For  sale  by  Bullock  &  Crenshaw,  Sixth  and  Arch  Streets,  Philadelphia. 
14 


HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 


PART    SECOND 


In  the  language  of  one  of  South  Carolina's  learned 
sons,  who  has  long  and  honorably  filled  the  chair  of  The- 
rapeutics in  the  Jefferson  Medical  College  of  Philadel- 
phia, ''  Give  me  mercury,  iodine,  quinine  and  the  lancet, 
and  I  will  combat  with  disease."  Without  altogether  en- 
dorsing the  views  of  this  distinguished  professor,  either 
in  the  choice  or  numbers  of  medicines  he  thinks  neces- 
sary, or  sufficient  to  cure  disease,  I  would  say,  give  me 
aconite,  iodine,  iron,  mineral  acid,  soda,  creasote,  and  a 
few  others,  and  I  will  not  only  combat,  but  successfully 
cure  and  overcome  disease.  Every  article  in  use  by  my- 
self in  the  treatment  of  diseases  will  be  described  under 
the  name  it  is  best  known.  No  attempt  will  be  made  to 
describe  adulterations  in  the  drugs  spoken  of.  Many 
useful  plants  containing  high  curative  properties  are  to 
be  found  all  over  this  country,  which  will  be  well  worth 
paying  attention  to. 

Acids. 

These  are  derived  from  the  mineral,'  vegetable  and 
animal  kingdoms,  and  are  of  a  sour  taste:  whence  the 
name  acid.     Acids  are  solid,  and  some  fluid,  and  all  are 


212  HORSE   AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

easily  dissolved  in  water.     Acids  are  mostly  poisonous, 
except  when  highly  diluted,  or  mixed  with  with  water. 

Acetic  Acid. — This  acid  is  eight  times  stronger  than 
ordinary  vinegar. 

Use. — Sometimes  used  in  sprains,  and  for  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  poison  of  insects,  by  adding  one  ounce  of 
camphor  to  four  ounces  of  the  acid. 

Pyroligneous  Acid — is  got  by  the  distillation  of  wood, 
and  sometimes  sold  in  a  diluted  form  as  white  vinegar, 
and  is  used  with  salt  by  horsemen  to  sore  backs  and 
shoulders. 

Muriatic  Acid. — This  is  commonly  called  the  spirit 
of  salt. 

Use. — A  good  tonic  in  debilitating  diseases  in  horses 
and  cattle,  and  is  much  used  by  me  in  pleuro-pneumo- 
nia  in  cattle,  for  it  relieves  the  quick  breathing,  and 
keeps  up  the  strength. 

Dose. — Forty  to  sixty  drops  given  largely  diluted,  or 
mixed  with  cold  water,  and  repeated  three  to  four  times 
in  the  day. 

Externally  J  it  is  used  for  sores  in  the  feet  of  horses,  by 
pouring  a  few  drops  in  the  nail-hole  or  sore.  Ten  drops 
poured  into  the  fistulous  openings  of  poll  evil,  or  quitter 
in  the  foot,  daily,  sometimes  cures  the  disease. 

Nitric  Acid,  or  Aquaeortis. — This  given  properly, 
and  largely  diluted,  is  an  excelent  tonic,  and  is  used  for 
the  same  purpose,  and  in  the  same  doses  as  the  pre- 
ceding. 

Sulphuric  Acid. — Possibly  this  acid  is  preferable  to 
any  other  of  the  acids  for  internal  use,  in  weakness  and 
debility,  and  is  given  in  from  forty  to  sixty  drop  doses, 
also  largely  diluted  with  water.     Horses  and  cattle  will 


ACONITE. 


213 


usually  drink  water,  when  acid  is  in  it.  In  all  kinds  of 
fevers,  sulphuric  acid  is  an  excellent  medicine  to  give. 
In  mixing  this  acid,  the  acid  is  to  be  added  to  the  water, 
not  the  water  to  the  acid. 

Prussic  Acid.— a  highly  dangerous  poison.  There 
are  two  forms  of  this  acid  kept  in  the  drug  stores. 
Schools  contain  five  per  cent.,  and  that  of  colleges  about 

two  per  cent. 

jjse.—GiYen  in  locked-jaw  in  the  horse  with  consider- 
able success. 

Zfose.—B.sl?  to  one  drachm  once  a  day.  If  the  horse 
be  young,  half  a  drachm  will  be  enough.  Two  drops  to 
the  ounce  of  water  is  an  excellent  wash  to  the  skin  of  all 
animals,  in  mange  and  inveterate  itching.  Great  care, 
however,  must  be  exercised  in  its  use,  whether  used  in- 
ternally or  externally.  It  is  sold  under  the  name  of 
hydrocianic  acid. 

AcomTE.—{Aconitum  Napellus,)  wolfsbane,  monks- 
hood.—An  active  poison,  and  one  of  the  garden  plants 
of  parts  of  Europe.  The  tincture  is  that  portion  which 
is  used  in  diseases  of  horses  and  cattle. 

Tincture  of  Aconite  root—i^  one  of  the  most  powerful, 
certain  and  successful  sedatives  which  can  be  used.  It 
has  done  away  with  bleeding,  blistering  and  physicmg, 
which  were  formerly  thought  proper  agents  wherewith  to 
combat  and  cure  disease.  It  is  not  only  sedative,  but  it 
is  a  nauseant,  calmative,  anodyne,  stimulant  diaphoretic 
and  antiphlogistic.  It  controls  fever,  and  allays  pam 
and  inflammation;  and  is  the  only  medicine,  excepting 
hellabore,  which  can  excite  the  horse,  the  ox  or  the  ele- 
phant, to  vomit.  Although  these  animals  cannot  vomit, 
it  is  the  one  to  cause  them  to  make  the  effort.  If,  ac- 
cording to  the  founder   of  homoepa^thy,  mercury  was  a 


214:  HORSE   AND   CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

divine  metal,  no  less  surely  may  aconite  be  considered  a 
divine  vegetable;  for  without  it,  or  sometliing  as  good, 
what  can  be  so  successful  in  curing  lung  fever,  founder, 
inflammation  of  any  part  of  the  body,  colic  from  eating 
green  food,  fever  accompanying  cattle  diseases  of  what- 
ever kind,  nothing  controls  the  circulation  and  action  of 
the  heart  so  promptly  as  aconite.  The  nervous  centres 
of  the  body  are  no  less  ready  to  obey  its  action  Hence, 
its  value  in  allaying  fever,  irritation,  excitement  and  pain, 
from  whatever  cause. 

How  to  use  it. — Aconite  should  never  be  carried  too 
far,  or  prostration  and  weakness  will  follow.  Never 
give  more  than  eight  doses,  when  twenty  drops  are  the 
dose,  nor  six  doses  when  twenty-five  drops  are  the  dose. 
Or,  in  other  words,  never,  in  any  disease,  give  more  than 
two  drachms,  or  one  hundred  and  twenty  drops,  whether 
the  dose  has  been  ten,  twenty  or  twenty-five  drops.  In 
pleuro-pneumonia  and  other  diseases,  iron  and  the  mine- 
ral acids  should  follow  aconite. 

Alcohol. — Spirits  of  wine  entirely  free  from  water, 
and  is  used  for  making  tinctures  of  the  various  plants, 
and  is  the  excipient  or  foundation  to  many  lotions  and 
liniments.  Alcohol  may  be  given  to  horses  having  a 
chill,  in  half  pint  doses,  mixed  with  a  little  warm  water, 
not  too  hot. 

AloeS' — This  is  the  expressed  juice  of  several  plants, 
of  the  name.  Aloes  are  of  several  varieties : — Barbadoes, 
Socotorine,  Cape,  and  Hepatic ;  all  of  which  difi"er  in  co- 
lor, and  some  of  them  in  strength.  Barbadoes,  and  the 
Socotorine,  are  the  varieties  kept  in  the  drug  stores. 

Use. — Aloes  is  used  as  a  purgative,  or  cathartic,  for 
horses  only.  Cattle  do  not  respond  to  aloes,  nor  is  it  a 
proper  internal  medicine  for  those  animals. 


ALUM.  215 

Dose. — From  six  to  eight  draclinis,  made  into  a  bolus, 
or  ball,  with  two  drachms  of  powdered  ginger,  and  molas- 
ses, to  cause  them  to  stick  together. 

Tincture — of  aloes  is  an  excellent  application  to  a 
healthy  sore.  In  the  form  of  compound  tincture,  which  is 
composed  of  aloes,  and  myrrh,  and  is  preferred,  by  some 
persons,  to  the  simple  tincture. 

Alum. — A  compound  salt,  containing  sulphuric  acid, 
potash,  and  alumina. 

Use. — Applied  to  sores,  to  arrest  bleeding,  and  in  the 
form  of  burnt  alum,  is  used  to  touch  indolent  sores,  which 
are  not  disposed  to  heal  quickly. 

Ammonia.  Liquid  ammonia  is  commonly  called  spi- 
rits of  hartshorn. 

Use. — A  diffusable  stimulant,  and  is  given  in  cases  of 
flatulent  colic,  and  formerly  was  in  much  repute  by  far- 
riers, mixed  with  oil,  as  a  liniment,  but  which  is  not  now 
considered  of  much  value,  and  is  apt  to  blemish. 

Dose. — Two  drachms  to  half  an  ounce,  as  an  anti-spas- 
modic, in  flatulent  colic. 

Carbonate  of  Ammonia. — A  highly  valuable  medicine, 
when  given  in  weakness,  debility,  and  prostration,  from 
influenza,  lung  fever,  bronchitis,  etc. 

Dose. — From  two  drachms,  to  half  an  ounce,  and  may 
be  repeated  three  times  in  the  day,  and  should  be  given, 
mixed  in  cold  gruel,  so  that  the  latent,  or  hidden  heat, 
will  not  be  developed,  as  it  would  be,  if  given  in  any 
thing  warm,  and  thereby  scald  the  throat  while  drench- 
ing. 

Muriate  of  Ammonia — possesses  the  same  properties 
as  the  above,  but  is  not  so  strong. 

Acetate  of  Ammonia — is  made  extemporaneously,  by 
dissolving  the  carbonate  in  strong  acetic  acid,  till  efi'er- 


216  HORSE   AND   CATTLE   MEDICINES. 

vescence  ceases ;  then,  adding  water  to  it,  till  it  is  of  the 
strength  of  ordinary  vinegar. 

Use. — An  excellent  form  of  ammonia,  when  given  in 
weakness,  and  debility.  Indeed,  the  ammonia,  and  its 
preparations,  need  only  to  be  used,  to  be  convinced  of 
their  utility,  in  supporting  the  vital  powers,  and  thereby 
curing  disease. 

Anaesthetics. — Medicines  which  induce  insensibility. 

Aniseed. — A  warm  carminative,  and  used  in  conjunc- 
tion with  fcenugreek,  and  cardamoms,  in  weed,  and  fevers 
in  milch  cows,  and  for  indigestion,  and  loss  of  appetite  in 
horses. 

Dose. — For  horses  and  cows,  one  to  two  ounces,  given 
three  times  in  the  day. 

Anodynes. — These  are  medicines  which  allay  pain. 
(See  Aconite,  Opium,  Morphia,  Chloroform,  and  Ether.) 

Antimony. — A  metal.  Many  preparations  of  anti- 
mony are  kept  in  the  drug  stores. 

Tartarized  Antimony. — This  is  commonly  called  Tar- 
tar Emetic^  and  was  formerly  relied  upon  in  the  treat- 
ment of  lung,  or  chest  diseases  in  horses,  and  cattle ;  but, 
to  the  great  surprise  of  the  knowing  ones,  recent  experi- 
ments have  shown  that  tartar  emetic  has  no  sedative  ef- 
fect whatever,  upon  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  or  other  herbi- 
vorous animals.  Pounds  of  tartar  emetic  have  been  given 
to  horses,  cattle,  and  sheep,  without  any  effect,  excepting 
increasing  the  appetite  a  little,  and  having  no  effect  upon 
either  the  respiration,  or  circulation,  whatever.  There- 
fore, tartar  emetic,  we  will  leave  to  the  dogs,  and  to  man. 

Tartar  emetic  ointment  is  sometimes  recommended,  to 
be  applied  to  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  where  the  Spanish 
fly  dare  not  be  used. 


ARSENIC.  217 

Ter  Sulphuret — of  Antimony  J  or  Black  Antimony. — 
This  is  a  favorite,  with  many  horsemen,  for  making  a 
horse  shine.     (See  Prescriptions.) 

Ter  Chloride — of  Antimony. — This  is  a  useful  medi- 
cine, for  diseases  of  the  feet  of  horses,  cattle,  and  sheep ; 
it  owes  its  properties  to  hydrochloric  acid.  It  is  common- 
ly called,  by  old  farriers,  buttyre  of  antimony.  In  foul 
claw,  in  cattle,  and  sores  in  the  feet  of  horses,  a  piece  of 
cotton  should  be  moistened  with  it,  and  laid  upon  the  sore. 

Antiseptics. — Medicines  which  arrest  decay,  and  pu- 
trefaction. 

Antispasmodics. — Medicines  capable  of  relieving 
spasms;  as  in  colic. 

Areca  Nut- — An  effective  cure  for  tape- worm  in  the 
dog. 

Dose. — About  two  grains  of  the  nut,  to  every  pound  of 
the  animal's  weight,  and  give  in  the  form  of  a  pill,  or  sus- 
pended in  milk. 

Arnica  Montana- — Leopard's  bane. 

TocTURE  OF  Arnica. — A  valuable  remedy  for  sprains 
and  bruises.  A  lotion  is  made  as  follows :  Tincture  of 
arnica,  one  ounce;  water,  two  ounces;  cloths,  kept  wet 
with  it  should  be  laid  on  the  part  which  is  sore. 

Arsenic- — A  well  known  poison. 

Use. — A  splendid  tonic,  improving  health,  condition, 
and  wind  of  the  horse. 

Dose. — When  given  once  a  day,  five  grains  will  be  a 
safe  dose,  for  an  ordinary  sized  horse.  If  given  twice  a 
day,  two  and  a  half  grains  will  be  enough. 

Arsenic  should  be  given  mixed  in  feed,  in  large  bulk, 
such  as  cut  feed,  so  as  to  protect  the  stomach  as  much  as 
possible,  whilst  at  the  same  time  we  reap  its  advantages. 


218  HORSE   AND   CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

These  doses  should  be  continued  at  least  for  two  weeks, 
stopping  at  that  time  for  one  week,  and  commence  again 
as  before.  This  will  insure  safety,  with  the  benefits  of 
the  arsenic,  in  an  improved  condition  in  both  wind  and 
body.  In  Switzerland,  and  other  parts  of  the  world, 
arsenic  is  relied  upon  for  the  cure  of  heaves  in  the  horse. 
Fowler's  Solution  of  Arsenic. — Made  as  ordered 
by  the  colleges,  contains  four  grains  of  arsenic,  to  the 
ounce  of  the  solution,  or  fluid. 

Asafoetida. — This  is  a  gum-resin,  having  a  smell  like 
onions.  Asafoetida  is  a  stimulant  and  vermifuge,  and  is 
given  to  horses  for  loss  of  appetite,  and  to  produce  a 
fine  silken  coat  upon  them.  It  is  given  to  dogs,  to 
expel  worms.  Dose,  for  the  horse  and  the  cow,  two 
drachms,  and  for  dogs,  ten  to  twenty  grains. 

Tincture. — Where  the  stimulant  effect  is  wanted,  the 
tincture  is  a  good  form,  and  is  given  in  about  the  same 
doses  as  the  gum,  for  all  animals. 

Asarabacca, — This  is  used  in  horses,  where  matter 
is  lodged  in  the  nares  of  the  nose,  and  it  is  desirable  that 
it  should  be  brought  down,  and  also  in  sheep  and  calves, 
with/aZ/na  hroncliiy  or  worms  in  the  air  passages.  For 
horses,  blow  a  drachm  up  each  nostril,  out  of  a  cone  of 
paper,  taking  care  that  the  person  does  not  inhale  it 
himself.  For  a  flock  of  sheep,  or  a  number  of  calves, 
confine  them  in  a  close  shed,  with  sufficient  air,  and  throw 
a  considerable  quanity  among  them,  so  the  animals  will 
inhale  it.  Sneezing  and  snorting  take  place,  followed 
by  mucous,  and  small  worms,  from  the  nose.  This  action 
is  called  errJiine. 

Astringents, — Medicines  which  are  capable  of  dry- 
ing up  discharges,  whether  from  the  bowels,  or  from  a 


BOLE  ARMENA.  219 

sore.     The  principal  medicines  of  this  class  are  opium, 
tannin,  oak-bark  and  chalk. 

Atropine. — The    active     principle     of    Belladonna. 

(Which  See.) 

Belladonna. — Atropia  Belladona. 

Belladonna  is  used  in  veterinary  practice  for  the  same 
purposes  as  opium,  but  is  to  be  preferred  to  opium  on 
account  of  its  having  no  binding  effect  on  the  bowels. 
The  extract  is  the  preparation  used,  and  is  prescribed 
in  all  animals,  for  colic,  rheumatism,  coughs,  sore  throat 
or  bronchitis,  influenza  and  locked-jaw.  Doses,  half  a 
drachm  to  forty  or  fifty  grains  dissolved  in  half  an 
ounce  of  the  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  and  repeated  three 
times  a  day,  in  the  diseases  above  mentioned.  In  diseases 
of  the  eye,  it  is  considered  valuable,  as  it  has  the  power 
of  contracting  the  iris  of  the  eye,  thus  causing  enlarge- 
ment of  the  pupil,  and  breaking  up  adhesions  between 
the  iris  and  the  leuB,  It  also  facilitates  operations  on  the 
eye. 

Benzoin. — A  gum-resin,  the  tincture  of  which  is 
known  as  the  old  Friars  Balsam,  and  is  an  excellent 
application  to  sores,  and  unhealthy  ulcers. 

Benzole. — This  is  a  watery  carbon,  and  is  obtained 
from  coal  tar.  Use.  To  destroy  lice,  and  other  insects 
in  the  skin  of  all  our  domestic   animals. 

Bismuth,  Subnitrate  of. 

Use.  For  dogs  when  affected  with  vomiting,  and 
purging.  Dose,  Five  to  fifteen  grains,  given  on  sugar, 
and  may  be  repeated. 

Bole  Armenia. — Formerly  in  great  repute  by  old 
horse  doctors,  for  many  diseases  of  all  the  animals,  and 
entered  into  almost  every  mixture.     It  is  useless. 


220  HORSE   AND   QATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Borax — Or  Biborate  of  Soda.  A  good  application 
for  ringworm,  for  which  purpose  dissolve  half  an  ounce  of 
borax  in  eight  ounces  of  water. 

Bromide  of  Potassium. —  Use.  For  arresting  the 
growth  of  fibrous  tumors  which  are  so  often  met  with 
in  all  animals.  Doses,  For  horses  and  cattle,  from  one 
to  three  drachms,  and  for  dogs,  five  to  ten  grains,  re- 
peated three  times  in  the  day,  for  a  considerable  period. 

Buckthorn. — A  sirup  is  made  of  the  berries,  and 
kept  in  the  drug  stores,  and  is  reccommended  as  a  mild 
purgative  in  dogs  having  distemper. 

Calamine. — An  impure  carbonate  of  zinc.  Oxide  of 
zinc  should  be  used  or  substituted  for  it.  Used  in  the 
healing  of  wounds,  both  in  powder  and  ointment. 

Calcium,  or  ftuicklime. —  Use.  Lime  is  used  in 
indigestion  and  acidity  in  all  animals,  and  in  tympani- 
tis in  the  horse,  and  hoven  in  cattle,  and  in  the  form  of 
lime  water,  and  mixed  with  linseed  oil  in  equal  quantities 
makes  the  celebrated  carron  oil,  so  called  from  its  constant 
use  among  the  men  employed  in  the  carron  iron  works, 
when  any  of  them  get  burnt.  Lime  water  and  calomel 
makes  the  yellow  wash,  and  corrosive  sublimate,  and 
lime  water,  make  the  black  wash,  so  highly  recommended 
in  unhealthy,  and  in  ill-conditioned  ulcers  and  sores. 
It  is  used  for  a  disinfectant  in  stables  and  barns.  Dose, 
Quick  lime  is  given  to  horses  and  cattle,  in  from  one 
to  two  drachms.  Lime  water  is  given  in  five  ounce 
doses  to  horses  and  cattle.  For  calves  with  diarrhoea, 
two  ounces  of  lime  water,  a  drachm  of  powdered  gentian 
root,  and  from  three  to  five  drops  of  the  tincture  of 
aconite  root,  given  three  times  a  day,  is  an  excellent 
remedy. 


CAPSICUM. 


221 


Calomel. — Chloride  of  Mercury. 

Calomel  should  be  rarely  used  in  horse  and  cattle 
practice,  from  the  fact  that  animals  are  not  so  subject  to 
scrofulous  diseases,  and  liver  complaints,  as  man  is,  and  as 
those  are  the  diseases  chiefly  calling  for  calomel,  we 
can  in  veterinary  practice  do  without  it,  so  far  as  internal 
use  is  concerned.  For  external  application,  in  the  form 
of  the  black  and  yellow  wash,  it  is  valuable.  (See  Pre- 
scriptions.) Calomel  sprinkled  on  unhealthy  ulcers  and 
sores  is  valuable,  quickly  changing  their  appearance. 
Calomel  is  sometimes  used  in  thrush  of  the  foot  of  the 
horse,  inserted  into  the  cleft  of  the  frog.  In  cattle  with 
foul  claw,  and  in  sheep  with  sore  feet,  it  can  be  used  to 
great  advantage.  A  dog  can  take  as  much  aloes  as  will 
kill  a  man,  but  a  man  can  take  as  much  calomel  as  will 
kill  several  dogs. 

Camphor. —  Use. — Camphor  is  a  slight  stimulant, 
folloAved  by  calmative  effect.  Hence,  it  is  recommended 
in  cases  of  irritation,  nervous  excitement,  and  enters 
into  all  mixtures  used  in  cases  of  chronic  cough.  Three 
to  five  grains  of  camphor,  and  extract  of  belladonna 
five  grains,  rubbed  down  in  a  little  whisky  or  alcohol,  and 
mixed  in  three  ounces  of  water,  is  an  excellent  remedy 
in  allaying  irritation  in  dogs  having  distemper.  An  ex- 
cellent rubifacient  can  be  made  with  camphor,  one  ounce 
acetic  acid.  No.  8,  four  ounces.  To  allay  irritation  in  a 
sore,  camphor  and  sweet  oiMs  a  good  application. 

Doses. — Camphor  is  given  to  horses  and  cattle,  in  from 
two  to  four  drachms,  repeating  it  three  or  four  times  a 
day. 

Cantharides. — (See  Spanish  Fly.) 

Capsicum. — (See  Pepper.) 


222  HORSE    AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Carbolic  Acid. — This  is  the  product  of  coal  tar,  and 
closely  resembles  creosote  in  medical  virtues.  This  is 
the  chief  part  in  the  celebrated  McDougall's  disinfect- 
ing powder,  so   highly  prized  in  England. 

Use. — For  checking  long  continued  diarrhoea  in  cattle 
and  sheep.  Doses. — In  its  solid  or  fluid  form,  carbolic 
acid  is  given  to  horses  and  cattle,  in  from  twenty  to  forty 
drops  or  grains.     For  sheep,  five  to  ten  grains  or  drops. 

External  Use. — For  sores  and  wounds,  when  unhealthy, 
a  good  application  may  be  made  by  adding  one  drachm 
of  the  acid  to  one  pint  of  water.  This  will  destroy 
all  putrefaction,  and  induce  the  wound  to  take  on  a 
healthy  action. 

Cardamoms. — The  seeds  of  a  plant. 

Use. — Given  to  milch  cows  in  case  of  loss  of  appetite, 
and  fevers.  Generally  it  is  united  with  foenugreek,  gin- 
ger, or  gentian  root,  mixed  in  warm  ale,  or  molasses 
water.  This  mixture  will  cure  ephemeral  or  fevers  of  a 
day's  duration,  when  other  medicines  have  failed. 

Dose. — One  to  two  ounces. 

Carraway. — The  seeds  of  a  garden  plant,  and  used 
for  the  same  purposes  as  the  preceding. 

Carbonate  of  Lime. — Chalk  is  sold  in  the  drug 
stores  under  the  name  of  creta  preperata,  or  prepared 
chalk,  and  is  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  preced- 
ing, but  in  larger  doses. 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  one  to  two  ounces  are 
the  dose.  For  calves,  two  to  three  drachms,  given  in 
wheat  flour,  gruel,  with  a  drachm  of  ginger,  or  carra- 
way seed,  to  prevent  griping. 

Cascarilla. — The  bark  of  a  tree. 


CATECHU.  223 

VBe.  A  bitter  tonic,  and  resembles  in  some  particu- 
lars that  of  quinine. 

Doses,  For  horses  and  cattle,  one  to  two  ouajj?, 
mixed  in  gruel. 

Castor  OIL — The  expressed  oil  of  the  seeds  of  the 
Ricinus  Communis, 

Use.  However  useful  castor  oil  may  be  as  a  purga- 
tive in  the  human  family,  it  is  certainly  a  dangerous 
poison  when  given  in  sufficient  quantities  to  induce 
purging,  in  either  the  horse,  cow  or  sheep.  It  produces 
irritation,  and  inflammation  of  the  coats  of  the  bowels, 
without  relief  from  purging. 

For  the  dog,  castor  oil  may  be  a  proper  and  useful 
purgative,  and  to  the  pig,  also.  Aloes,  and  linseed  oil, 
is  the  purgative  for  the  horse.  Epsom,  or  glauber  salts, 
for  the  ox,  and  the  sheep.  Whatever  suits  man,  as  a 
purge,  will  answer  for  the  dog  and  pig. 

Cassia. — False  Cinnamon, — Much  cheaper  than  cin- 
namon, and  may  be  given  to  horses  and  cattle,  in  pow- 
der, mixed  in  gruel,  for  loss  of  appetite. 

Dose, — One  to  two  ounces,  for  horses,  or  cattle. 

Catechu- — An  extract  from  a  species  of  acacia. 

Use, — An  astringent,  binding  the  bowels  in  diarrhoea, 
and  is  used  in  combination  with  chalk  and  opium. 

Dose. — For  horses  and  cattle,  two  to  five  drachms. 
For  sheep  and  swine,  one  ta  three  drachms.  For  the 
dog,  grains,  ten  to  twenty. 

For  supperpurgation  in  horses,  and  cows,  my  favorite 
combination  is  as  follows :  Catechu,  two  to  five  drachms ; 
prepared  chalk,  one  to  two  ounces ;  powdered  opium,  ten 
to  thirty  grains;  mix,  and  drench  with  wheat  flour  gruel. 


224  HORSE   AND   CATTLE   MEDICINES. 

Chalk. — (See  Carbonate  of  Lime.) 

Chamomile. — The  flours  of  anthemis  nohlis. 

Use. — A  very  mild  tonic,  possibly  too  much  so  for  the 
horse,  or  cow.  We  have  better  ones,  although,  perhaps, 
not  so  well  known. 

Charcoal. — Occasionally  given  to  cows,  in  chronic 
diarrhoea. 

Dose. — Half  an  ounce  to  one  ounce,  given  suspended 
in  gruel,  of  any  kind.  Externally,  charcoal  is  very  val- 
uable, when  applied  to  badly  smelling  wounds,  and  ulcers. 
It  immediately  corrects  the  foetor,  and  rapidly  disposes 
them  to  heal.  Charcoal  and  brewers'  yeast,  are  good 
cleansers  of  putrid  sores,  and  ulcers,  and  are  worthy  of 
more  extended  use. 

Chenopodium  Anthelminticum. —  Wormseed. — 
An  excellent  remedy  for  worms  in  dogs,  by  dropping 
from  two  to  five  drops  of  the  oil  in  a  little  soup,  or  from 
ten  to  twenty  grains  of  the  bruised  seed,  given  for  four 
successive  nights,  and  then  followed  by  a  dose  of  castor 
oil. 

Chlorine  Gas. — Chlorine  gas  is  prepared  by  pouring 
hydrochloric  acid,  on  the  black  oxide  of  manganese,  also 
by  heating  sulphuric  acid  with  common  salt  and  the  man- 
ganese. 

Use. — This  gas  is  a  disinfectant;  and  for  this  purpose 
it  is  made,  and  used  as  follows:  Take  an  ounce  or  so, 
(depending  upon  the  size  of  the  place  to  be  disinfected,}  of 
black  oxide  of  manganese,  and  hydrochloric  acid,  of  suf- 
ficient quantity,  carry  them  to  the  place  where  they  are 
to  be  used,  and  pour  the  one  into  the  other,^and  close 
the  doors,  having  first  removed  all  the  animals  out  of  the 
place.     A  spirit  lamp,  placed  under  the  bottom  of  the 


CHLOROFORM.  225 

vessel,  holding  the  materials,  will  insure  a  greater  volume 
of  gas.     (See  Disinfectants,  in  the  body  of  the  book.) 

Chlorine,  when  sufficiently  and  properly  used,  is  consi- 
dered to  be  of  great  advantage,  in  arresting  the  ravages 
of  glanders,  farcy,  and  other  distempers  in  the  horse,  and 
pleuro-pneumonia,  and  contagious  typhus  in  cattle,  and 
small  pox  in  sheep.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  farmers  gene- 
rally, will  provide  themselves  with  proper  apparatus,  for  this 
purpose,  which  will  not  cost  above  three  dollars,  and  con- 
sists of  a  small  lamp,  with  a  stand  so  formed,  that  a  small, 
glass  bottle,  commonly  called  a  Florence  Flask,  can  sit 
right  above  the  blaze  of  the  lamp,  issuing  from  its  wide, 
and  open  mouth,  the  disease-healing,  and  health-restoring 
gas. 

Chloric  Ether. — Chloroform,  dissolved  in  spirits  of 
wine. 

Chloride  of  Potassium — Is  similar  to  chloride  of 
soda,  or  common  salt. 

Chloride  of  Lime, 

Use. — As  a  disinfectant,  from  its  antiseptic,  and  deo- 
dorizing effects,  and  is  an  excellent  stimulant  to  unhealthy 
ulcers.  Chloride  of  lime  has  been  highly  recommended 
in  tympanitis  in  the  horse,  and  hoven  in  cattle,  arising 
from  eating  wet  clover. 

Lose.  From  two  to  four  drachms,  given,  mixed  with 
cold  water. 

As  a  disinfectant,  it  may  be^  sprinkled  on  the  stable,  or 
barn  floor,  every  morning ;  but  a  good  way  would  be  to 
suspend  it  in  a  box,  having  many  small  holes  in  it,  and, 
hung  from  the  roof  of  the  house.  If  the  house  be  large, 
two  or  more  boxes  may  be  used. 

Chloroform — Ter chloride  of  Formyle. 

15 


226  HORSE   AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Use. — Chloroform  is  an  excellent  stimulant,  when 
given  to  horses  having  a  chill,  or  shivering  fit,  from  con- 
gestion, or  from  cold,  and  is  equal  to  turpentine,  for  the 
cure  of  colic.  An  excellent  liniment  is  made,  by  adding 
one  ounce  of  chloroform,  to  two  of  olive  oil. 

Dose. — Chloroform  is  given  to  the  horse  and  cow,  in 
doses  from  one  to  two  drachms,  mixed  in  weak  whisky, 
and  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours,  or  till  the  colic  is 
relieved. 

Inhalation. — -The  inhalation  of  chloroform,  by  either 
horse,  or  ox,  is  attended  with  risk,  provided  the  animal 
be  not  secured,  or  tied,  so  that  it  cannot  get  loose ;  be- 
cause some  horses,  and  cattle,  become  completly  wild,  when 
the  effects  of  the  inhalation  commences  to  act  upon  the 
brain.  On  the  other  hand,  some  horses  will  quietly 
stand  up,  others,  as  quietly,  will  lay  down,  under  its  ef- 
fects. 

Two  to  four  ounces  are  sufficient  to  produce  anasthse- 
sia,  or  loss  of  sensibility.  The  usual  way  of  giving  chlo- 
roform by  inhalation,  is,  by  pouring  about  two  ounces 
of  chloroform,  on  a  soft,  and  moist  sponge,  whilst  the  an- 
imal is  tied  down,  and  hold  the  sponge  to  one  nostril 
only,  covering  the  nose  loosely,  with  a  large  towel,  to  save 
the  fumes  of  the  chloroform;  but  not  too  tightly,  to  ex- 
clude pure  air  from  being  admitted,  with  the  fumes  of  the 
chloroform. 

In  all  operations,  lasting  any  length  of  time,  whether 
in  the  horse  or  the  cow,  humanity  and  fine  feeling,  de- 
mand the  outlay  for  a  little  chloroform.  It  is  not  neces- 
sary to  completely  destroy  all  feeling — just  sufiicient  to 
blunt  the  sensibility  of  the  nervous  centres. 

GhologOgues. — Medicines  which  increase  the  flow  of 
bile. 


COLCHICUM.  227 

Examples:  Calomel,  podaphyllin,  irriclin,  leptandrin, 
etc. 

Cinchona. — PeruviaUy  or  Jesuit  Barh.  There  are 
several  barks  of  cinchona,  used  in  medicine,  and  from 
which  the  sulphate  of  quinine  is  made.  Cinchona,  or  its 
barks,  are  not  used  in  horse  and  cattle  diseases. 

Quinine — ^is  the  only  preparation  used;  but  its  high 
price  is  against  its  general  use,  in  veterinary  practice. 
But  in  valuable  horses,  it  is  used  to  hasten  recovery  from 
influenza,  lung  fever,  etc. 

Dose. — Twenty  to  forty  grains,  repeated  from  three  to 
four  times  a  day. 

Quinine  is  apt  to  be  adulterated  with  arsenic^  as  was 
the  case  with  many  samples,  used  during  the  late  war. 

Cochineal- — An  insect,  and  used  as  a  dye  for  color- 
ing tinctures,  and  other  medicines,  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
ception. Druggists  color  water  with  it,  for  filling  show 
bottles,  which  are  placed  in  the  store  windows. 

Cod  Liver  Oil- — In  all  animals,  cod  liver  oil  increases 
fat  and  flesh.  In  diseases  afi'ecting  digestion,  and  assi- 
milation, cod  liver  oil  can  be  of  no  use.  It  materially  re- 
lieves broken  wind,  or  heaves,  in  horses.  For  hastening, 
or  forcing  animals  intended  for  show,  cod  liver  oil  is  just 
what  is  wanted,  as  it  not  only  hastens  the  fattening  pro- 
cess, but  increases  the  quality,  and  appearance  of  the 
meat. 

Dose.  For  swine,  two  ounces  daily.  For  small  pigs, 
one  ounce. 

Colchicum- — Meadow  Saffron.  The  seeds,  and  root, 
are  the  parts  usually  employed  in  medicine,  sometimes  in 
powder ;  but  the  Ijest  is  in  the  form  of  tincture. 


228  HORSE   AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Use.  Given  in  all  rlieumatic  afflictions  of  tlie  joints, 
and  in  lumbago,  and  also  in  diseases  of  the  eye  of  the 
horse,  depending  on  rheumatism  of  that  organ. 

Dose — Of  the  crom  or  seeds  in  powder  for  horses  and 
cattle,  the  dose  is  from  one  to  two  drachms,  given  in  the 
animal's  feed  twice  in  the  day,  for  a  week  or  two.  The 
wine  of  colchicum  will  answer  for  the  dog,  in  from  five  to 
fifteen  drop  doses,  twice  a  day  in  a  little  water. 

Collodion. — This  is  a  solution  of  gun-cotton. 

Use. — Collodian  is  used  for  dressing  wounds  and  cuts, 
instead  of  sticking  plaster,  and  is  applied  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner: — Clip  the  hair  from  the  edges  of  the 
wound,  and  take  a  camel's  hair  pencil,  or  a  soft  brush, 
and  paint  the  surface  and  edges  of  the  wound  well,  and 
in  a  few  minutes,  the  ether,  which  holds  the  gun-cotton 
in  solution,  evaporates,  and  leaves  over  the  sore  a  com- 
plete covering,  resembling  the  gold-beater's  skin,  thus 
completely  shielding  the  sore  from  the  action  of  the  air. 
Hence,  its  value. 

Copper,  Sulphite  of. — Blue  Vitriol. — This  is  one  of 
the  most  useful  articles  that  can  be  used  in  horse  and 
cattle  diseases,  both  internally  and  externally.  Inter- 
nally used,  sulphate  of  copper  is  a  powerful  tonic,  and 
builder  up  of  the  system,  and  is  recommended  in  all  dis- 
eases characterized  by  a  low  state  of  the  system.  Farcy, 
glanders,  purpura,  etc.,  in  the  horse,  have,  in  several 
cases,  yielded  to  its  effects.  Sulphate  of  copper  should 
never  be  given  alone,  but  should  be  combined  with  gen- 
tian or  ginger.  After  the  fever  has  passed  off  in  cases 
of  pleuro-pneumonia,  the  sulphate  of  copper  is  an  excel- 
lent medicine  to  support  the  vital  powers,  and  prevent 
efiusions  in  the  chest,  which  is  the  cause  Qf  death,  in 
most  cases,  from  this  disease. 


CREOSOTE.  229 

Dose. — In  horses  and  cattle,  one  to  three  drachms  are 
the  proper  doses  given  twice  in  the  day. 

External  use  of  the  sulphate  of  copper  is  often  called 
for  as  a  caustic  in  wounds  and  sores  growing  proud  flesh, 
which  are  readily  controlled  by  it,  simply  by  touching 
the  parts  with  a  piece  of  the  crystal  in  powder,  or  in  so- 
lution. 

For  diseases  of  the  eye,  I  think  it  has  no  superior. 
For  this  purpose,  three  grains  of  the  powdered  sulphate 
to  an  ounce  of  rain  water,  and  applied  with  a  soft  fea- 
ther, or  what  is  better,  a  camel's  hair  pencil. 

For  wounds  which  have  no  proud  flesh  in  them,  eight 
to  ten  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water  is  a  good  and  cheap 
application. 

Copper,  Acetate  of. — This  is  used  only  for  sores  in 
the  form  of  an  ointment.  Take  of  the  acetate  or  verdi- 
gris one  drachm,  and  add  to  it  an  ounce  of  the  simple 
ointment.  I  have  known  sores  to  heal  from  its  use, 
which  have  bid  defiance  almost  to  every  other  applica- 
tion. 

Coriander. —  The  Seeds. — This  is  a  useful  article, 
and  may  be  considered  an  excellent  medicine  for  young 
calves  having  weak  stomachs.  The  bruised  seeds  should 
be  given  in  two  drachm  doses,  in  the  milk  which  is  given 
to  the  calf. 

Creosote. — This  is  a  peculiar  smelling  fluid  derived 
from  tar.  Creosote  has  had  the  credit  of  curing  glanders 
in  man,  and  is  a  good  remedy  in  pleuro-pneumonia  in 
cattle,  but  we  have  better  ones,  and  not  so  costly.  Cases 
of  farcy  and  glanders  in  the  horse  are  greatly  benefited 
by  its  use. 

Dose. — For  horses  and  cattle,  from  one  to  one  and 
a  half  drachms,  made  into   a  mass,  with  flour  and  mo- 


230  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 

lasses,  and   then  crumbled  down   into  some  gruel,  and 
make  a  drench,  to  be  poured  down  the  throat. 

As  an  external  remedy,  it  is  of  great  advantage  in 
mange  sores,  ulcers,  caries  of  the  bones,  canker,  thrush 
in  the  horse's  feet,  and  foot-rot,  which  is  so  troublesome 
in  sheep.  Indeed,  the  more  the  virtues  of  creasote  are 
known  to  farmers,  raisers  and  breeders  of  stock,  it  will 
be  more  to  their  advantage.     (See  Prescriptions.) 

Croton  Oil. — A  dangerous  medicine  when  improperly 
used,  but  it  is  a  useful  medicine  nevertheless,  when  hasty 
action  of  the  bowels  is  wanted,  as  in  milk  fever  in  cows. 

Dose. — For  the  cow  ten  to  fifteen  drops,  given  along 
with  epsom  or  glauber  salts.     (See  Prescriptions.) 

Digitalis. — Digitalis  Purpura. — The  action  of  this 
powerful  medicine  has  been  much  used  as  a  sedative  in 
lung  diseases ;  but  since  we  have  become  acquainted  with 
the  superior  action  of  aconite,  digitalis,  is  not  now  worth 
keeping  in  the  veterinary  Materia  Medica. — Moreover, 
digitalis  is  a  dangerous  medicine,  from  the  fact  that  it 
accumulates  in  the  system,  for  a  time,  and  all  at 
once,  its  action  is  manifested  by  the  weak  action  of  the 
heart,  so  that  in  many  cases,  the  heart  ceases  to  beat 
altogether. 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  twenty  grains  of  the 
powdered  leaves. 

Disinfectants. — I  have,  in  two  portions  of  this  book, 
referred  to  the  importance  of  a  better  acquaintance  on 
the  part  of  farmers  and  stock  raisers  with  this  subject. 

Volatile  Disinfectants  may  be  divided  as  follows: 

1.  Chlorine. 

2.  Nitrous  acid  fumes, 

3.  Sulphurous  acid. 


DIURETICS.  231 

These  diffuse  themselves  through  the  air  of  stables 
and  barns,  and  neutralize  the  poisonous  gases  which 
are  given  off  from  the  excrement  of  animals,  whether  in 
health  or  disease. 

Fixed  Disinfectants. — These  are  such  as  can  be 
mixed  with  the  excreta  and  decaying  matter,  without  de- 
stroying them  for  manure. 

1.  Per  chloride  of  iron. 

2.  Permanganate  of  potash, 

3.  Crypsum — Sulphate  of  lime.  This  is  not  a  great 
one,  but  it  is  useful, 

4.  Charcoal. — This,  in  fine  powder,  should  be  thrown 
into  damp  stables  and  barn-yards,  as  it  will  not  only  re- 
move unpleasant  smells,  but  will  make  good  manure. 
Refuse  tan  bark,  and  other  vegetable  substances,  made 
into  charcoal,  is  cheap,  and  of  great  utility  as  a  disin- 
fectant, and  adds  to  the  quantity  and  value  of  the  ma- 
nure. 

Fixed, — hut  noxious  Disinfectants. — These  are  dis- 
infectants which,  when  mixed  with  manure,  render  it  val- 
ueless as  such. 

1.  Chloride  of  Zinc.     (Burnet's  Disinfectant  Fluid.) 

2.  Nitrate  of  Lead.     (Ledoyer's  Disinfectant.) 

3.  Sulphate  of  Copper,  and  Zinc  Solution,  (Larnau- 
des.) 

Chlorinated  Soda  Solution,  may  be  mixed  with  manure, 
without  destroying  its  qualities  as  such. 

Chloride  of  Lime.  Solid,  or  in  powder,  do  not  destroy 
the  manuring  qualities  of  vegetal,  and  other  materials 
usually  converted  into  manures. 

Diuretics. — Medicines,  which,  when  given  to  ani- 
mals, increase  the  flow  of  urine,  and  are  used  in  cases  of 
swellings,  and  dropsies  of  the  body,  and  legs  of  horses. 


232  HORSE   AND    CATTLE   MEDICINES. 

Elecampane. — Inula  Helenium. — The  root  of  this 
plant  is  highly  thought  of,  and  much  used,  by  horsemen, 
in  coughs  and  colds.  Some  make  a  tea  of  it,  or  decoc- 
tion, and  give  it  to  the  horse  to  drink.  It  is  certainly  a 
warm  and  grateful  aromatic,  and  a  good  expectorant. 
The  plant  should  be  gathered  when  the  seed  is  ripening. 

Elm  Bark. — Slippery.  This  bark,  when  scalded  with 
hot  water,  makes  a  useful  poultice,  to  irritable  wounds, 
ulcers,  and  sores.  A  decoction  of  the  bark  will  answer 
every  purpose  for  which  flaxseed,  or  linseed  is  used,  or 
recommended,  as  in  diseases  of  the  kidneys,  and  bladder, 
produced  by  the  use  of  Spanish  fly,  and  from  over-dosing 
with  rosin,  and  other  diuretics.  In  diarrhoja,  in  all  ani- 
mals, slippery  elm  tea,  or  decoction,  will  serve  a  good 
purpose,  by  sheathing  the  covering  of  the  bowels,  which 
are  so  apt  to  become  irritated,  and  inflamed,  in  violent 
superpurgation. 

Emetics.— Medicines  which  produce  vomiting.  Horses, 
cattle,  and  sheep  cannot  vomit,  whilst  the  stomach  re- 
mains entire.  In  cases  of  rupture  of  that  viscus,  how- 
ever, vomiting  is  occasionally  seen.  Emetics  are  useful 
in  diseases  of  the  dog,  and  swine.  Tartar  emetic,  or  sul- 
phate of  zinc,  given  in  from  two  to  five  grain  doses,  will 
cause  dogs  and  swine  to  vomit. 

Epsom  Salts. — Sulphate  of  Magnesia. — This  is  a  val- 
uable medicine,  in  diseases  of  cattle  and  sheep.  No 
other  purgative  should  ever  be  thought  of,  or  given  to 
either  cattle  or  sheep.  Even  supposing  other  purgatives 
to  be  as  good,  none,  certainly,  can  be  so  cheap,  as  ep- 
som,  and  glaubcr  salts,  or  the  sulphate  of  soda.  For  all 
purgative  purposes,  the  one  is  as  good  as  the  other. 
Salts  should  be  largely  diluted  with  water ;  for  the  quan- 


ERGOT.  233 

tity  of  fluid  given  with  them,  facilitates  their  operation. 
In  domestic  practice,  half  an  ounce  of  salts,  in  one  tum- 
bler full  of  water,  will  operate  as  strongly  as  one  ounce, 
in  half  the  quantity  of  water. 

Doses. — For  ordinary  sized  cows,  one  to  two  pounds  is 
the  dose,  mixed  with  four  quarts  of  cold  water;  one 
ounce  of  ginger  in  powder,  and  the  whole  sweetened 
with  molasses,  or  coarse  sugar.  For  average  sized  calves, 
two  to  four  ounces.  For  sheep,  four  to  six  ounces.  A 
few  drops  of  commercial  sulphuric  acid,  say  twenty  to 
sixty  drops,  will  greatly  remove  the  naseous  taste. 

Ergot. — Diseased  Rye.  This  is  a  curious,  as  well  as 
a  valuable  medicine. 

Use.  In  the  calving,  lambing,  and  foaling  season,  it 
is  sometimes  of  great  service,  but  should  be  carefully  han- 
dled; as,  for  instance,  if  given  to  any  animal  about  to 
deliver  her  young,  and  when  the  mouth  of  the  womb  con- 
taining the  young,  should  not  be  sufficiently  opened,  the 
administration  of  this  remedy  would  be  attended  with 
extreme  danger,  as  the  womb,  by  the  powerful  contraction 
set  up,  caused  by  the  ergot,  to  expel  its  contents,  the  womb 
would  likely  be  ruptured,  or  torn,  and  the  death  of  the 
animal  will  follow.  When  the  animal  seems  to  have  ex- 
hausted its  strength,  and  the  passage  is  open,  and  the 
young  is  coming  in  a  natural  way,  then  only  should  the 
ergot  be  given.  If  there  should  be  a  malformation  in  the 
young,  or  in  the  pelvis  of  the^mother,  it  would  be  equally 
unwise  to  give  ergot. 

Doses. — For  a  mare,  or  cow,  half  to  one  ounce  of  the 
powder,  is  the  dose.  For  sheep,  swine,  and  large  sized 
bitches,  one  drachm  is  the  dose.  Small  bitches,  ten  to  thirty 
grains. 


234  HORSE    AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Essential  Oils.— (See  Oils.) 

Ether. — Sulphuric  Ether. — This  is  a  valuable  article 
of  the  veterinary  materia  medica,  and  is  used  in  diseases 
of  all  the  animals. 

Use.  It  is  used  as  a  stimulant,  and  given  in  weak- 
ness, fevers,  and  in  colic,, as  an  antispasmodic.  Ether  is 
scarcely  strong  enough  to  produce  anasthoesia  in  horses 
and  cattle.  Dose. — For  horses  and  cattle,  one  to  two 
ounces  is  the  dose  as  a  stimulant,  and  antispasmodic. 
Ether  should  be  given  in  cold  water,  to  prevent  its  volatili- 
zation on  its  exposure  to  the  air.  Twice  its  own  volume 
of  alcohol  added  to  it  makes  the  spirit  of  sulphuric 
ether. 

Euphorbium. — A  resinous  juice,  expressed  from  a 
cactus  like  vegetable  which  grows  in  Morocco. 

Use. — This  is  only  used  for  external  purposes  and 
is  among  the  very  few  articles  in  veterinary  medicines, 
capable  of  blistering  the  thick  skin  of  the  ox. 

Expectorants. — This  is  a  class  of  useful  medicines, 
which  cause  a  separation  of  the  mucous  from  the  throat, 
and  air  passages,  thereby  relieving  cough  and  other 
symptoms  usually  attendant  upon  throat  diseases. 

Febrifuges. — Medicines  capable  of  relieving  fever. 

Fenugreec. — The  seeds  of  this  annual  plant,  found 
growing  in  the  south  of  Europe,  is  a  useful  cattle  medi- 
cine, given  in  one  ounce  doses  for  loss,  of  appetite,  ej)he- 
meral  fevers,  etc.  It  is  usually,  however,  combined  with 
ginger,  gentian,  and  other  medicines  of  that  class. 

Fern. — The  Male. — Aspidium  Felix  Mas. 

Use. — Given  to  animals  affected  with  worms.  A  good 
remedy. 


GAMBOGE.  235 

Doses. — For  the  horse,  one  pound  of  the  root  in  pow- 
der is  the  dose.  For  sheep,  three  to  five  ounces,  and 
for  the  dog  with  tape  worm,  it  is  invaluable,  destroying 
the  worm  in  two  hours.  A  purgative  should  be  given 
next  day. 

Friar's  Balsam. — This  is  the  compound  tincture  of 
benzoin,  and  is  an  excellent  article  when  applied  to  sores 
and  wounds,  as  the  fluid  soon  evarporates,  and  leaves  a 
resinous  covering  over  the  wound,  thus  shielding  it  from 
the  action  of  the  air.     (See  Benzoin.) 

Galbanum. — A  dried  juice,  having  medicinal  prop- 
erties similar  to  asafoetida. 

Galls- — ^ut  G-alls. — These  are  rough  excrescences 
made  on  oak  trees  by  holes  being  made  in  the  bark  by 
an  insect. 

Use. — A  powerful  astringent,  binding  the  bowels  of  all 
animals  affected  with  dysentery,  and  diarrhoea.  And  a 
good  application  to  the  greasy  heels  of  horses. 

Doses.  For  horses  and  cattle,  powdered  galls  are 
given  in  from  four  to  six  drachms.  For  sheep  and 
swine,  thirty  to  sixty  grains,  externally  applied  the  pow- 
dered nut  may  be  sprinkled  on  the  sore. 

Gallic  Acid. — (See  Tannin. 

Gamboge. — This  is  a  gum  resin  from  a  tree,  growing 
in  the  Island  of  Ceylon. 

Use. — A  useful  purgative  for  cattle.  (See  Epsom 
Salts.) 

Doses.  For  cattle,  six  to  eight  drachms  in  the  dose. 
For  sheep,  thirty  grains,  given  in  solution,  and  should 
be  given  with  other  medicine  of  the  same  class. 


236  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 

Gentian  Root- — G-entiana  Lutea. — This  is  an  in- 
valuable medicine  in  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  horses 
and  cattle,  where  the  appetite  is  to  be  restored  and  kept 
up.  In  ^debility,  weakness,  swellings  of  the  legs  and 
body,  and  where  the  stomach  is  out  of  order,  as  it  is  so 
often  .in  fevers,  and  as  a  sequel  to  debilitating  diseases, 
Gentian,  combined  with  iron,  is  an  excellent  tonic,  and 
cheap.  Gentian  combined  with  ammonia  and  pimenta 
berries,  will  make  a  horse  eat  almost  whether  he  will  or 
not. 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  half  to  one  ounce  is 
the  dose,  repeating  it  three  times  in  the  day.  For  sheep, 
one  drachm.  For  dogs,  five  to  ten  grains.  For  horses 
and  cattle,  it  is  best  given  mixed  in  gruel,  and  given  in 
a  drench  out  of  a  strong  necked  bottle.  Gentian  root 
should  enter  into  all  condition  powders.  (See  Condition 
Powders,  in  Prescriptions.) 

The  colleges  orders  a  tincture  to  be  made,  but  the 
powder  is  all  that  is  wanted  in  the  treatment  of  horse 
and  cattle  diseases. 

Ginger  Zingiberis. — A  well  known  root,  and  is  a 
useful. article  to  have  in  the  house. 

Dose. — Ginger  is  given  in  cases  of  gripes,  or  colic, 
whether  in  horses  or  cattle,  and  should  enter  every  dose 
of  purgative  medicine,  which  is  given  to  all  the  animals. 
Ginger  is  useful  in  loss  of  appetite  in  horses,  and  in 
calves  an  excellent  medicine  to  give  with  chalk,  and  other 
things,  in  scours,  or  diarrhoea. 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  one  to  two  ounces  is 
the  dose.  For  sheep,  two  drachms.  For  calves  of  three 
months  old,  one  drachm,  and  for  younger  ones  less.  The 
essence  of  ginger,  of  the  drug  shops,  is  a  good  way  to  use 


GUAIACUM.  237 

ginger,   as  the  active  principle  of  the  ginger  is  given 
without  so  much  inert  or  dead  matter. 

Glauber  Salts. — Sulphate  of  Soda. — A  good  purga- 
tive for  cattle  and  sheep.     (See  Epsom  Salts.) 

Glycerine. — A  fluid  which  scarcely  ever  dries  up, 
and  is  the  saccharine  principle  of  fats.  Bower's  glyce- 
rine is  the  best  in  the  American  market,  and  is  inodorous, 
or  without  smell,  which  is  the  best  indication  of  its 
purity. 

Use. — Many  sores  on  all  the  animals  readily  heal  by 
the  application  of  glycerine,  especially  in  scratches,  and 
sores  about  the  heels  of  horses.  Glycerine  is  a  valuable 
remedy.  In  all  our  cities  having  horse  rail-roads,  and 
the  authorities  allow  the  use  of  salt  on  the  streets,  for 
the  removal  of  snow.  The  slush  so  formed,  first  chills 
then  scalds  the  skin  of  the  heels,  so  that  in  a  short  time 
the  skin  cracks,  and  nasty  sores  are  the  result,  and  diffi- 
cult to  cure.  To  prevent  this  condition  of  things,  and 
to  protect  the  heels  of  horses  from  the  injurious  effects 
of  the  salt  and  slush,  the  application  of  glycerine  should 
be  made  to  the  heels  morning  and  mid-day,  whilst  the 
salt,  slush  and  snow  are  upon  the  streets. 

Guaiacum. — This  is  a  resin. 

Tincture  of  G-uaiacum. — A  valuable  medicine  in  cases 
of  rheumatism  in  old  horses,  and  in  rheumatic  lameness 
in  dogs. 

Dose. — For  horses,  the  dose  of  the  tincture  will  be  half 
an  ounce  twice  in  the  day,  given  in  cut  feed,  or  in  a 
drench  with  cold  water.  For  dogs,  ten  to  twenty  drops 
given  in  a  spoonful  of  cold  water  or  soup. 

Gum  Arabic. — G-um  Acacia. — This  is  an  importa- 


238  HORSE   AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

tion  from  Alexandria,  in  Egypt.  There  are  several  vari- 
eties of  gum. 

Gum  Senegal. — This  is  similar  to  the  above. 

Gum  Tragacanth. — This  is  another  variety  of  gum. 

Use. — The  gums  are  demulcents,  emolient  and  sooth- 
ing to  an  inflamed  part,  as  the  bowels  in  diarrhoea,  the 
kidneys  and  bladder,  when  diseased  and  irritated. 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  from  one  to  two  ounces. 
For  calves  and  sheep,  four  drachms.  Gum  should  be 
given,  dissolved  in  warm  water,  and  drench  out  of  a  bot- 
tle or  ox  horn. 

Hartshorn. — This  is  an  impure  solution  of  ammonia. 

(See  Ammonia.) 

Hellebore. — RelUhrosus  Niger. 

Use. — Recommended  in  poll  evil,  by  inserting  a  piece 
of  the  root  in  the  fistulous  opening.  No  dependence 
should  be  placed  in  it.     Better  agents  are  at  hand. 

Hemlock. — Conium  Maculatum. — Formerly  recom- 
mended in  inflammation.  It  is  of  benefit  in  the  form  of 
a  poultice  to  cancerous  sores. 

Hemp,  Indian. — Cannabis  Indica. — The  colleges  or- 
der a  tincture  and  an  extract.  In  the  east  of  Europe, 
the  resin  of  the  plant  is  known  as  cJiurrus,  and  its  pre- 
parations are  known  as  gunjoli,  bang  and  haeliish.  The 
accounts  which  have  reached  us,  I  say  reached  us,  for 
no  such  action  can  be  produced  upon  man  from  any  pre- 
paration of  the  hemp  in  use  in  America,  as  is  represented 
to  be  produced  amongst  the  subjects  of  His  Majesty,  the 
Sultan  of  Turkey.  The  genuine  preparations  of  Indian 
Hemp  produce  in  man  great  excitement  and  high  spirits, 
great  laughter,  talkativeness,  and  pleasing  thoughts,  and 
a  great  appetite  for  food  and  sexual  excitement,  followed 


IODIDE   OF   POTASSIUM.  239 

hj  sleep,  from  wliicli  the  person  recovers  without  any 
unpleasant  effects.  Experiments  instituted  by  the  writer 
with  this  medicine  upon  horses,  do  not  warrant  its  intro- 
duction into  the  list  of  horse  and  cattle  medicines. 

Henbane. —  Hyoscyamus  Niger. — An  extract  and  a 
tincture  is  ordered  to  be  kept  in  the  drug  stores.  Hyos- 
cyamus is  indicated  in  all  cases  where  belladonna  is  in- 
dicated. It  has,  however,  little  effect  upon  animals 
chewing  the  cud.  In  horses,  it  is  occasionally  given  to 
relieve  cough  and  irritation  of  the  throat  or  windpipe. 

Dose.  —For  horses,  one  to  two  drachms  of  the  extract 
is  the  dose,  and  should  be  given,  rubbed  down  in  a  little 
cold  water,  and  repeated  several  times  in  the  day.  Bet- 
ter drugs,  and  less  expensive  ones,  answer  a  better  pur- 
pose. This  medicine  used  formerly  to  be  relied  upon  for 
the  cure  of  insane  persons,  but  is  now  almost  discarded 
for  that  purpose. 

Iodine. — A  chemical  preparation  manufactured  from 
kelp  or  sea-weed,  and  used  both  rightfully  and  wrong- 
fully, in  many  diseases.  However,  iodine  itself  is,  I 
think,  of  little  value  as  a  medicine,  but  when  united  che- 
mically with  iron,  copper,  mercury,  lead,  arsenic  and  po- 
tassium, it  certainly  is  one  of  the  most  useful  and  indis- 
pensable of  medical  agents,  when  administered  internally, 
and  applied  externally. 

Dose. — Iodine  is  given  to  the  horse  and  the  ox  in  from 
twenty  to  forty  grains :  for  do>s,  three  to  six  grains.  An 
ointment  of  iodine  is  made  as  follows : — Take  one  part  of 
iodine  to  eight  parts  of  lard.  This  is  a  good  ointment  to 
apply  to  soft  swellings  on  the  body  of  the  horse,  when 
applied  by  rubbing  with  the  hand. 

Iodide   of  Potassium. — Hydriodate   of  Potash. — 


240  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 

This  is  a  chemical  union  of  potash  with  iodine,  a  costly 
remedy  for  horse  and  cattle  diseases,  and  in  most  cases 
can  be  done  very  well  without.  Its  action  is  that  of  an 
absorbent,  and  is,  therefore,  used  in  swelling  of  the 
glands,  and  other  parts  of  the  body.  To  get  its  full  be- 
nefit, it  should  be  given  in  syrup  or  molasses,  so  that  the 
iodine  will  not  be  lost,  leaving  the  water  only  behind. 

Dose. — From  twenty  to  thirty  grains  for  horses  and 
cattle,  repeated  three  times  in  the  day.  For  the  dog, 
five  grains. 

(1.)  Iodide  of  Arsenic. — Highly  recommended  by 
some  persons  for  glanders,  farcy  and  purpura  in  the 
horse. 

Dose. — Five  grains  given  once  a  day,  in  cut  or  mixed 
feed. 

(2.)  Iodide  of  Copper. — A  valuable  remedy,  but 
costly.  It  should  be  used  only  for  valuable  horses, 
in  cases  of  debility  and  loss  of  condition,  mixed  in  cut 
or  mixed  feed. 

Dose. — From  one  to  two  drachms,  given  twice  or  three 
times  in  the  day. 

(3.)  Iodide  of  Iron. — This  is  even  more  valuable 
than  that  of  the  iodide  of  copper,  and  is  given  for  the 
same  purpose,  and  in  the  same  doses.  To  use  the  iodide 
of  iron  once,  it  will  be  used  again.  Its  high  price  is  the 
only  drawback.  Iodide  of  iron  enters  into  the  powders 
and  balls  which  are  given  to  the  English  race  horses, 
whilst  in  the  trainer's  hands ; — a  high  recommendation. 

(4.)  Iodide  of  Sulphur. — A  valuable  remedy  in 
mange,  and  other  skin  diseases,  and  may  be  given  inter- 
nally also,  in  the  same  disease. 

Dose. — For  horses,  give  two  to  four  drachms  in  the 


IODIDE   OF   MERCURY.  24J 

animal's  feed.  For  mangey  dogs,  give  ten  to  fifteen 
grains  once  a  day,  for  both  horse  and  dog;  give  it  at 
night,  as  warmth  assists  its  action  very  much. 

(5.)  Iodide  of  Lead. — Too  weak  for  veterinary  prac- 
tice, but  excellent  for  swellings  on  the  body  of  man.  It 
is  only  used  externally.  Iodide  of  lead  is  of  a  lovely, 
yellow  color. 

(6.)  Iodide  of  Mercury. — Bin-Iodide  of  Mercury- 
Red  Iodide  of  Mercury,  etc. — This  preparation  of  iodine 
is  a  medicine  that  the  educated  veterinary  surgeon 
cannot  do  without  in  the  practice  of  his  profession ;  for 
there  is  nothing  which  will  so  well  answer  his  desires 
and  his  purposes,  as  the  iodide  of  mercury.  Iodide  of 
mercury  is  not  used  internally,  in  any  disease,  as  calomel 
contains  the  same  internal  action  as  that  of  the  iodide. 

Use. — Iodide  of  mercury  is  used  in  all  cases  of  indu- 
ration and  swelling  of  the  glands  of  the  neck,  tumors, 
whether  of  bone  or  soft  tissue,  splints,  spavins,  ring- 
bones, wind  galls,  shoulder-joint  lameness,  thoroughpin, 
and  will  answer  well  for  an  ordinary  blister,  for  whatever 
purpose.  The  only  objection  to  it  as  a  blister  over  an 
extensive  surface,  is  its  painful  operation. 

The  iodide  of  mercury  is  used  as  an  ointment;  one 
part  of  the  red  iodide  of  mercury  to  eight  parts  of  hog's 
lard,  well  mixed  together.  This  ointment  is  to  be  well 
rubbed  into  the  parts  to  be  cured;  swelling  will  follow 
its  action,  but  will  subside  in  a  few  days,  if  one  applica- 
tion be  enough,  which  will  be  known,  if  the  enlargement 
has  been  broken  or  has  disappeared.  If  not,  apply  in 
from  five  to  six  days  again,  scarcely  rubbing  so  hard  as 
at  the  first  application,  as  the  skin  is  more  easily  acted 
upon  at  this  time.  But  whether  one,  two  or  half  a  dozen 
applications  be  necessary,  let  sufficient  time  elapse  before 

16 


2^2  HORSE   AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

each  succeeding  application,  so  as  not  to  prevent  the 
hair  growing,  and  thereby  blemish  the  part.  Apply 
lard  once  a  day  between  each  application,  and  occasion- 
ally wash  the  parts  with  water,  not  too  warm,  and 
lard,  or  oil  the  part  when  dry.  The  horses'  head 
should  be  tied  up,  so  that  he  cannot  get  at  the  parts 
with  his  mouth.  A  few  hours  will  be  long  enough. 
Place  plenty  of  soft  bedding  under  the  feet,  so  that,  by 
stamping,  the  horse  will  not  break  or  hurt  his  feet. 

Observe. — When,  apparently,  the  tumor,  gland,  or  other 
enlargement,  does  not  disappear,  or  go  away  at  once,  sur- 
prise is  sometimes  expressed,  to  see  it  totally  go  away,  as  if 
of  its  own  accord.  Thus  the  red  iodide  of  mercury  exer- 
cises a  powerful  influence,  long  after  its  use  has  been  dis- 
pensed with.  Iodide  of  mercury,  occupies,  in  my  estima- 
tion, in  external  diseases,  what  the  preparations  of  aconite 
does  in  internal  affections,  whether  in  horses  or  cattle. 

Several  other  preperations  of  iodine  are  made  by  the 
manufacturing  chemists;  such  as  the  iodide  of  gold,  and 
silver,  which  are  of  no  use  in  horse  and  cattle  diseases. 

Ipecacuanha. — Oephaelis  Ipecacuanha. — In  veterin- 
ary practice,  ipecacuanha  is  only  used  for  dogs,  in  fifteen 
to  thirty  grains,  as  an  emetic,  when  first  attacked  with 
distemper. 

Iron. — Ferrum. — This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable 
medicines  we  have  to  recommend,  in  many  of  the  most 
important  diseases,  of  all  the  animals.  This  will  be  readily 
seen,  when  it  is  stated  that  iron  is  a  constituent  of  the 
blood  of  all  warm  blooded  animals,  and  without  iron,  being 
in  proper  quantity,  in  the  blood  of  an  animal,  it  cannot 
be  healthy — is  anse7mc,  commonly  called  impoverished 
blood.  In  fact,  iron  is  an  elimentary  principle,  essential 
to  health.j 


IRON. 


243 


Metalic  iron  is  rarely  used  in  veterinary  practice, 
except  it  be  in  the  form  of  iron  filings,  given  by  some  per- 
sons, in  cases  of  worms  in  horses.  The  sulphate  is  just 
as  good  for  this  purpose.  Iron  filings,  called  Ferrum 
Bedactum,  is  much  used  in  the  weakly  and  sickly  female. 
To  prevent  the  filings  from  oxidizing,  or  rusting,  the 
filings  are  put  into  a  tube,  similar  to  a  gun  barrel,  at  a 
strong  heat,  and  the  filings  are  plunged  into  cold  water, 
which  give  them  a  sky-blue  color;  the  finer  the  blue,  the 
better  the  medicine.  For  the  valuable  dog,  iron-filings,  in 
this  form,  may  be  given,  in  five  to  ten  grain  to  a  dose.  The  fol- 
lowing preparations  of  iron  will  be  used  for  the  horse  and  ox. 
(1.)  Carbonate  of  Iron. —  Ferri  Carbonas. —  This 
preparation  of  iron,  is  only  used  in  veterinary  practice, 
for  the  dog,  on  account  of  its  mildness. 

(2.)  Sesquioxide  of  Iron. — Bust  of  Iron.—¥E- 
RUGO.  This  form  of  iron  is  only  used  by  veterinary 
surgeons,  in  poisoning  from  arsenic,  as  an  antidote,  by 
forming  in  the  stomach,  an  insoluable  arsenite  of  the  pro- 
toxide of  iron. 

(3.)  Sulphate  of  Iron. — Ferri  Sulphas. — Green 
YITRIOL-COPPERAS.— This  is  One  of  the  best,  and  cheapest 
preparations  of  this  valuable  metal,  that  can  be  used  in 
diseases  of  horses  and  cattle. 

Use. — In  medicinal  doses,  the  sulphate  of  iron  is  tonic, 
and  astringent ;  therefore,  it  is  used  in  cases  of  weakness, 
want  of  condition,  looseness  of  the  bowels,  swellings  of  the 
legs,  body,  sheath,  breast,  etc.,  from  its  improving,  and 
adding  richness  to  the  blood,  and  giving  tonicity  and 
health,  to  the  fibrous  serous  tissue,  from  which  the  fluid 
which  causes  the  swelling  arises.  In  pleuro-pneumonia 
in  cattle,  after  fever  has  abated,  nothing  will  restore  and 
prevent  effusions  of  serum,  or  fluid,  in  the  chest,  like 


244  HORSE   AND   CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

sulphate  of  iron.  Effusions  in  the  chest  of  cows,  and 
neat  cattle,  is  the  cause  of  so  many  deaths,  from  cattle 
disease.  The  effusions  form  connecting  links  between  the 
lungs  and  the  sides,  from  which  adhesions  take  place  in 
that  disease,  and  from  which  the  animal  can  never  be  res- 
tored to  good  health,  although  the  beast  may  live  for  a 
year  or  two.  How  important,  then,  to  know  of  a  medicine 
which  offers  so  much  hope ! 

In  addition  to  the  diseases  just  named,  sulphate  of  iron 
is  the  medicine  to  be  used  in  all  cases,  where  the  powers  of 
life  are  low  and  depressed.  In  red  water  in  cattle,  bleed- 
ing internally  in  all  animals,  dysentery,  purpura,  scarla- 
tina, and  in  debilitating  diseases  generally,  no  medicine 
offers  so  much  as  the  sulphate  of  iron. 

Observe. — Sulphate  of  iron  should  not  be  given  while 
inflammation  and  fever  lasts ;  it  is  time  enough  to  give  it 
after  all  irritation  has  subsided.  Sulphate  of  iron  should 
always  be  combined  with  a  vegetable  tonic,  such  as  gen- 
tian, or  ginger.  Iron  changes  the  dung  to  a  green  color, 
as  if  the  animal  was  at  pasture. 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  the  dose  is  two  to  three 
drachms,  with  the  same  quantity  of  powdered  gentian,  two 
to  three  times  in  the  day,  to  be  given,  mixed  in  a  quantity 
of  cold  water ;  and  drench  out  of  a  bottle,  if  the  animal 
does  not  eat  it  readily,  mix  with  cut,  or  soft  feed. 

(4.)  Perchloride  op  Iron. — Whether  in  a  fluid  or 
solid  state,  this  preparation  is  valuable  for  applying  to 
bleeding  wounds,  to  stop  the  flow  of  blood,  which  it  will 
readily  do,  if  properly  applied,  and  the  blood  vessel  is  not 
too  large,  that  is  wounded.  It  should  be  applied  with  a 
soft  brush,  or  a  pleget  of  soft  cloth  or  cotton,  dipped 
in  it,  and  laid  over  the  wound,  and  kept  bandaged. 
Perchloride   of  iron    should  be  kept  in  every  farm,  or 


LEAD.  245 

country  house,  for  this  purpose.  It  should  be  kept  in  a 
glass,  stoppered-bottle  to  keep  it  pure.  (See  Iodide  of 
Iron.) 

Jalap. — Convulvulus  Jalapce. — This  root  derives  its 
name  from  a  town  in  Mexico,  called  Xalapa,  and  grows 
fully  six  thousand  feet  above  the  sea  level.  This  medi- 
cine is  in  veterinary  practice  used  only  as  a  purge  for  the 
dog,  in  from  twenty  to  sixty  grains. 

Juniper  Berries. — Juniperis  Communis. — The 
Fruit. — This  medicine  is  valuable  in  horse  and  cattle 
diseases,  as  a  stimulant  to  the  stomach,  in  loss  of  appetite ; 
and  in  convalescence,  from  debilitating  diseases. 

Dose, — For  horses  and  cattle,  one  to  two  ounces  is  a 
dose.     Dogs,  twenty  to  forty  grains. 

Kino. — A  juice  of  several  plants.  This  is  used  as  an 
astringent  in  diarrhoea  in  all  animals,  and  is  considered 
more  powerful  than  catechu,  (which  see.) 

KOUSSO. — The  flowers  of  this  plant  are  brought  from 
Abyssinia. 

ifse. — To  expel,  or  destroy  tape  worm  in  man,  and  the 
dog,  and  is  prepared  and  used  in  the  following  manner. 
Take  of  kousso  half  an  ounce,  of  warm  water  half  a  pint, 
let  it  stand  till  cool,  and  give  it,  flours  and  all,  and  give 
next  day  a  dose  of  castor  oil. 

Laudanum. — (See  Opium.) 

Laxative. — A  mild  purge. 

Lead. — Plumbum. — Metallic  lead  in  the  form  of  shot, 
is  used  by  our  horse  dealers,  to  relieve  temporarily  the 
heaving,  or  symptoms  of  broken  wind,  or  heaves  in  horses. 
It  will  be  needless  for  me  to  say,  that  if  the  lead  is  not 


246  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 

speedily  converted  into  an  insoluable  oxide,  the  animals 
so  treated  will  die  in  a  month  or  two. — (See  Lead 
Poisoning.) 

(1.)  Oxide  of  Lead. — This  preparation  of  lead  is  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  common  sticking  plaster,  or 
Diachylon. 

(2.)  Iodide  of  Lead. — (See  Iodine.) 

(3.)  Acetate  of  Lead. — Sugar  of  Lead. — Solution  of 
acetate  of  lead  is  known  by  the  name  of  Goulard's  Extract 
of  Lead,  and  was  formerly,  and  is  still  by  some  persons 
recommended,  and  used  in  cases  of  sprains,  and  as  a  wash 
for  diseased  eyes.  Better,  and  less  injurious  agents  are 
now  used  by  the  educated  veterinary  surgeon. 

Observe. — Goulard's  Extract,  or  lead  water,  should  never 
be  used  in  diseases  of  the  eye,  as  it  can  do  no  good  beyond 
what  cold  water  can  do,  but  it  dulls  the  eye,  by  making 
it  hazy  and  opaque.  It  will  be  well  to  remember  this, 
and  act  upon  it,  not  minding  what  old  and  antiquated  books, 
and  individuals  may  say,  or  think,  in  regard  to  what  is  here 
recommended. 

Lime. — Oxide  of  Calcium  (which  see.) 

Carbonate  of  Lime. — (See  Chalk.) 

Linseed. — Linum  Usitatissimum. — Ground  flaxseed 
makes  the  best  poultice,  as  it  is  less  irritable,  and  retains 
its  moisture  better  than  most  articles  in  use  for  that 
purpose. 

Calce  Meal. — That  portion  which  is  kept  after  the  oil 
has  been  expressed  from  the  seed,  is  a  good  feed  for  horses 
and  cows,  given  occasionally,  and  makes  a  good  and  much 
cheaper  poultice  than  the  most  costly  seed. 

Linseed  OiL — Oleum  Lini. — This  is  a  good  and  safe 


LOGWOOD.  247 

purgative  for  the  horse,  and  should  be  given  by  farmers 
and  non  professional  persons  in  preference  to  any  other 
article.  The  English  veterinary  surgeons  use  linseed  oil 
for  colic  in  the  horse,  in  the  following  combination  :  Lin- 
seed oil,  one  pint,  and  two  ounces  each,  of  oil  of  turpen- 
tine and  laudanum.  In  cases  of  choking,  in  either  horses, 
or  cattle,  a  half  pint  of  linseed  oil  should  be  poured 
down  the  throat,  so  that  by  its  emollient  properties  the 
substance  may  pass  readily  down  the  gullet. 

Doses. — For  horses,  one  to  two  pints  is  the  dose  used 
for  a  purgative.  For  scalds  and  burns,  linseecj  oil  is 
mixed  with  lime  water.     (See  Lime  Water.) 

Liquorice  Root. — G-lyeyrrMza  Radix, — This  was 
formerly  in  use  for  making  balls  for  horses,  but  it  is  now 
superseded  by  molasses. 

Lobelia  Inflata. — Indian  Tobacco. — This  medicine 
is  in  great  use  by  the  eclectic  physicians  in  the  L^nited 
States  as  an  emetic,  which  fact,  I  believe,  has  induced  Dr. 
Dadd  to  recommend  it  to  veterinary  surgeons  and  horsemen 
of  this  country.  Does  the  Doctor  not  yet  know  that  the 
horse,  the  ox  and  the  sheep,  cannot  vomit  ?  Therefore,  it  is 
not  entitled  to  such  a  place  in  the  veterinary  Materia 
Medica, 

Logwood. — Hcematoxylon  Campechianum. — This  is  a 
valuable  medicine  and  not  well  known,  and  consequently 
not  appreciated. 

Use. — One  of  the  very  best  astringents  for  binding  the 
bowels  in  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  in  all  animals,  espe- 
cially when  accompanied  with  irritation  of  the  bowels. 
Logwood  is  cheap,  and  sold  in  chips,  and  is  prepared  and 
given  in  the  following  manner  : 


248  HORSE   AND   CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Logwood  Chips  two  ounces,  boiling  water  one  pint, 
allowing  it  to  stand  till  cold,  then  strain  through  cloth, 
or  a  fine  sieve. 

Dose. — For  horses  and  cows,  this  quantity  will  make 
one  dose.  For  calves  with  scours,  one  to  three  ounces 
will  be  the  dose,  and  repeating  it  if  the  case  demands  it. 
A  safe  remedy,  and  cheap. 

Lunar  Caustic. — (See  Silver.) 

Lupuline. — The  Hop. — Makes  a  good  poultice,  ap- 
plied to  the  udders  of  cows,  when  lumpy,  hard,  and  for 
hastening  the  suppurative  process. 

Lytta-Cantharides. — (See  Spanish  Fly.) 

Magnesia — Oxide  of  Magnesium. — Used  sometimes 
in  young  foals  and  calves,  when  they  have  no  appetite. 
A  good  antidote  for  arsenical  poisoning. 

Dose. — For  these  animals,  two  drachms  to  six  is  the 
dose,  and  a  little  ginger  should  be  added  to  it  to  prevent 
griping. 

(1.)  Carbonate  of  Magnesia — Magnesia  Alba. — The 
action  of  this  is  similar  to  the  preceding. 

(2.)  Sulphate  of  Magnesia. — (See  Epsom  Salts.) 

Manganese. — A  metal  used  as  a  disinfectant,  in 
combination  with  some  one  of  the  mineral  acids.  For 
the  way  to  use  it,  (See  Disinfectants.) 

Marsh  Mallow. — The  Root  of  Althea  Officinalis » 
Used  in  the  form  of  an  ointment,  but  not  of  much  utility» 


MERCURY.  249 

It  however  still  holds  a  [place  in  horse  and  cattle  medi- 
cine.    It  can  be  donewithont. 

Marigold — Calendula  Officinalis. — A  garden  plant. 
Tincture  of.  This  is  a  good  application  to  sores,  ulcers 
and  abscesses,  and  is  applied  with  soft  cloths,  saturated 
or  moistened  with  it,  and  laid  over  the  affected  part.  It 
is  a  new  remedy  in  burns  and  scalds. 

Mercury. — A  liquid  metal  called  quicksilver.  In  its 
metalic  state  it  is  not  used  as  a  medicine.  There  how- 
ever is  a  prevalent  idea  in  the  minds  of  ignorant  persons, 
that  doctors,  and  veterinary  surgeons  give  this  substance 
to  force  a  passage  through  the  bowels,  and  that  if  it  fails 
the  bowels  and  stomach  will  be  ruptured,  or  torn.  If 
the  patient  should  die,  the  blame  is  not  unfrequently  laid 
on  the  use  of  quicksilver  by  the  doctor,  when  this  sub- 
stance was  never  thought  of  for  any  such  purpose. 
Quicksilver  has  no  action  whatever  on  the  animal  sys- 
tem, either  in  health  or  sickness. 

(1.)  Mercury  With  Chalk — G-ray  Poivder. — Used 
in  diarrhoea  in  calves,  in  doses  from  ten  to  fifteen  grains, 
given  with  a  little  ginger,  and  mixed  with  wheat  flour 
gruel. 

(2.)  Iodide  of  Mercury. — (See  Iodine.) 

(3.)  Bi-Chloride  of  Mercury — Corrosive  Sublimate. 
A  dangerous  poison,  and  should  never  be  given  to  any 
animal.  It  is  however  used  in  solution,  in  some  skin 
diseases,  as  in  ring-worm  and  mange.  When  so  used, 
only  a  small  portion  of  the  body  should  be  washed  with 
it  one  day.  For  this  purpose,  four  grains  of  the  subli- 
mate to  two  ounces  of  rain  water.  For  dog,  two  grains 
to  the  ounce,  in  water,  will  be  strong  enough. 


250  HORSE   AND   CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

(3.)  Nitrate  of  Mercury — Ointment  of. — This  is 
the  citron  or  golden  ointment,  and  is  a  good  remedy  in 
ring-worm.  Unfortunately,  however,  it  spoils  with  long 
keeping,  and  is  not  made  extemporaneously,  therefore  it 
is  often  rancid,  and  of  little  value. 

(5.)  Oxide  of  Mercury — Bed  Precipitate. — Used  in 
the  treatment  of  unhealthy  ulcers  and  sores,  in  the  form 
of  powder,  ointment,  and  is  the  principle  in  the  yellow 
wash  already  spoken  of,  when  speaking  on  the  subject 
of  lime.     (Which  See.) 

(6.)  Sulphate  of  Mercury — Turhith  Mineral. — A 
medicine  of  no  use,  and  should  be  expunged  from  the 
books  on  horse  and  cattle  diseases. 

(7.)  Sub-Chloride  of  Mercury — Calomel. — A 
medicine  I  never  use,  and  will  not  recommend  it  for 
internal  administration.  In  the  form  of  the  black  wash, 
and  sprinkled  upon  sores,  is  a  good  remedy.  Calomel  is 
recommended  for  thrush  in  the  feet  of  horses,  by  in- 
serting it  into  the  cleft  of  the  frog. 

Mercurial  Ointment. — This  is  sold  in  the  drug 
stores. 

The  ointment  of  mercury  is  chiefly  used  in  skin 
diseases,  as  mange  in  horses  and  dogs.  But  a  better 
remedy  will  be  found  in  sulphur,  and  its  preparations, 
which  are  not  only  more  safe,  but  more  certain  of  curing 
the  case. 

Mezeron — Daphne  Mezerum. — A  plant,  the  bark  of 
which  an  extract  is  made,  and  from  the  extract  an  ointment 
is  made,  one  drachm  to  four  parts  of  lard,  and  is'  used 
for  the  purpose  of  keeping  up  the  irritation  of  blisters. 

Morphia. — (See  Opium.) 

Muriatic  Acid. — (See  Acids.) 


NITRE.  251 

Mustard  Seed. — Sinapis  Nigra. — Used  as  an  irri- 
tant on  parts  of  the  body,  where  the  Spanish  fly  would 
be  improper  and  dangerous.  The  belly,  and  over  the 
loins  are  the  usual  places  where  mustard  is  applied.  In 
lumbago,  and  sprains  of  the  back  and  loins,  and  in  pain 
in  the  bowels,  mustard  is  useful.  The  mode  of  applica- 
tion of  mustard  is  as  follows :  Jf  the  hair  of  the  part  be 
long,  cut  it  off,  then  foment  the  part  with  warm  water, 
and  immediately  rub  into  the  parts  a  handful  of  the 
best  flour  of  mustard.  This  is  more  effectual  than  laying 
a  paste  or  poultice  without  rubbing. 

Volatile  Oil  of  mustard  makes  a  good  counter-irri- 
tant, when  a  few  drops  are  rubbed  into  the  skin.  Vine- 
gar added  to  mustard  does  not  as  it  is^thought  produce  a 
better  effect.     Warm  water  answers  every  purpose. 

Myrrh. — A  gum  resin,  used  in  the  form  of  a  tincture 
and  a  compound  tincture,  to  sores,  and  a  good  application 
in  sore  mouth,  from  the  bit,  or  other  cause. 

Narcotics  are  medicines  which  act  upon  the  brain, 
and  thereby  allay  pain.  Example,  opium  and  its  prepa- 
rations, aconite,  and  chloroform. 

Neat's  Foot  Oil. — Used  for  skin  diseases,  and  for 
allaying  the  irritation  of  blisters,  and  keeping  the  skin 
from  cracking. 

Nervines. — Medicines  relieving  pain,  without  pro- 
ducing narcotism. 

Nitric  Acid. — (See  Acids.) 

Nitre — Saltpetre. — This  medicine  has  long  been  used 
as  a  diuretic,  and  as  a  febrifuge  in  low  fevers  ;  cheaper 
and  better  medicines  are  daily  in  use  for  this  purpose. 
Nitre  is  not  a  cheap  medicine,  nor  yet  is  it  an  indispen- 


252  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 

sable  one.  The  days  are  past  when  emetic,  tartar,  nitre 
and  digitalis  were  the  remedies  used  in  all  cases  of  inflam- 
mation, irritation  and  fever.  This  formula  has  deceived 
many  a  man,  and  has  been  the  means  whereby  many 
thousands  of  valuable  animals  have  been  lost  by  trifling 
with  remedies  in  use  half  a  century  ago.  Wherever 
nitre  is  indicated,  I  use  i\Q  sulphite  of  soda,  and  I  have 
no  cause  to  regret  the  change.  A  bundle  of  fresh  cut 
grass  given  to  a  horse,  will  have  a  better,  and  more 
soothing  effect  than  nitre ;  when  given  in  any  disease, 
nitre  should  be  left  to  fulfil  its  destiny  by  making  gun- 
powder to  liberate  the  toiling  millions  of  other  lands  from 
the  hands  of  the  despot  and  the  oppressor. 

Nux  Vomica. — Strychnos  Nxix  Vomica. — An  active 
poison  in  large  doses,  but  a  valuable  agent  in  the  cure  of 
diseases  in  all  animals.  The  powdered  nut  is  uncertain 
in  its  effects,  therefore  the  tincture,  and  the  alkaloid 
should  only  be  used. 

Use. — A  nervine,  and  used  when  the  nerves  are  de- 
pressed and  weak,  just  as  aconite  is  used  when  the  nerves 
are  strong  and  excited.  The  one  medicine  is  used  in 
depression,  and  the  other  in  diseases  with  exalted  symp- 
toms. Paralysis  or  palsy  is  the  loss  of  power  in  the 
motor  nerves  of  the  part  affected.  Therefore,  nux  vom- 
ica is  indicated,  in  twitching  of  the  muscles  of  all  ani- 
mals, and  in  glass  eye,  in  the  horse  depending  upon  the 
want  of  nervous  energy  in  the  optic,  or  nerve  of  vision. 

Tincture — Doses  of. — For  horses  and  cattle,  the  dose 
is  from  ten  to  twenty  drops,  repeated  three  to  four  times 
in  the  day. 

Strychnine — Dose. — For  horses  and  cattle,  the  dose 
is  one  grain,  given  once  a  day,  gradually  increasing  the 
dose  till  three  grains  are  given  in  the  day.     To  get  full 


OAK   BARK.  253 

benefit  from  it,  it  will  have  to  be  given  for  a  week  or 
two,  if  the  beast  has  not  got  well  by  that  time.  In  the 
use  of  strychnine,  care  and  good  judgment  must  be  exer- 
cised, for  it  must  be  remembered  that  ^however  useful  a 
drug,  or  medicine  may  be,  is  no  argument  that  it  can  not 
be  abused.  Strychnine  should  be  administered  in  feed, 
if  the  animal  will  eat  it,  if  not  give  it  in  gruel  in  the 
form  of  a  drench.  Twelve  grains  is  the  dose  required 
to  kill  a  full  grown  horse. 

Arsenite  of  Strychnia  is  recommended  by  the  French 
veterinary  surgeons,  in  nasal  discharges,  but  with  what 
effect  is  not  stated.  If  it  does  not  cure,  as  I  suppose 
it  does  not,  it  only  serves  to  show  to  my  mind  how  utterly 
ignorant  veterinary  surgeons  are  in  regard  to  the  true 
pathalogy  of  those  discharges,  supposed  to  be  glanders. 
Mr.  Gamgee,  on  the  International  Veterinary  Congress, 
held  at  Hamburg,  says  when  the  subject  of  glanders  was 
mentioned,  no  one  responded.  Why  ?  certainly  not  that 
they  knew  all  about  it,  no,  the  contrary  is  the  case,  for 
they  knew  nothing  at  all  about  its  nature,  and  hence  we 
have  the  French  using  a  drug  the  least  of  all  likely  to 
change,  arrest,  or  cure  the  disease.  Prussian  blue  is 
said  to  contain  ten  per  cent  of  strychnia,  some  packa- 
ges contain  as  high  as  sixty  grains. 

Oak  Bark. —  Qiiercus  Cortex. — This  is  a  good  astrin- 
,  gent  for  outward  use,  or  to  sores  which  discharge  a  good 
deal.  The  bark  is  boiled,  half  an  ounce  to  a  pint  of  wa- 
ter. This  decoction  is  an  excellent  remedy  for  drying 
up  the  moisture  of  greasy  heels,  so  troublesome  in  horses. 
In  diarrhoea  in  calves,  given  in  four  drachm  doses,  much 
good  will  follow  its  use. 

Oils. — There  are  two  varieties  of  oils  used  in  medi- 
cine— fixed  and  volatile. 


254  HORSE   AND   CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Fixed  Oils. — Castor,  olive,  linseed,  croton  and  neats'- 
foot  oil.  The  uses  of  these  oils  will  be  found  treated 
of  under  their  respective  heads. 

Opium. — Papaver  Somniferum. — The  dried  juice  of 
the  white  poppy,  and  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  sub- 
stances in  nature.  There  are  several  varieties  of  opium : 
Turkey,  Egyptian,  East  Indian,  Persian,  and  European 
opium.     The  medical  preparations  of  opium  are  several: 

Morphia,  or  morpliine,  is  the  most  important  prepara- 
tion of  opium,  and  sold  in  the  drug  stores  in  the  form  of 
white  crystals,  and  in  the  form  of  a  liquid; — liquor  mor- 
phia acetas,  and  liquor  and  liquor  morphia  sulphas. 
Either  of  these  prepara'tions  of  opium  are  much  better 
medicines  than  the  crude  opium  itself.  Each  fluid  ounce 
contains  one  grain  of  the  morphine,  or  the  true  principle 
of  the  opium,  and  one  grain  of  morphine  is  equal  to 
three  grains  of  opium,  or  to  forty-five  drops  of  the  tinc- 
ture of  opium,  commonly  called  laudanum. 

Uses. — Opium  is  a  narcotic,  or  reliever  of  pain,  and  is 
especially  recommended  in  milk  fever  in  cows. 

Dose. — The  dose  of  the  acetate,  sulphate,  or  muriate  in 
crystals,  will  be  for  the  horse  from  twenty  to  forty 
grains.  For  the  cow  with  milk  fever,  the  dose  will  be 
from  forty  to  eighty  grains.  To  a  medical  man,  such 
large  doses  may  seem  to  him  enormous,  for  in  man  the 
dose  is  from  half  to  one  grain. 

Horses  will  scarcely  show  the  least  effects  from  the  ad- 
ministration of  from  two  to  four  drachms  of  the  powdered 
opium.  On  cattle,  opium  has  even  much  less  power  than 
it  has  on  horses.  Cows  can  take  one  ounce,  and  -sheep 
half  a  drachm  of  powdered  opium,  without  suffering. 
The  doses  of  crude,  or  powdered  opium  for  horses,  will  be 
from  one  to  two   drachms,  and  for  cattle,  two  to  four 


PEACH   LEAVES. 


255 


drachms.  In  veterinary  practice,  opium  is  not  now  so 
mucli  used,  as  aconite  answers  almost  every  purpose  for 
which  opium  was  given,  and  without  in  any  way  binding 
the  bowels.  But  in  case  of  milk  fever,  opium,  or  its  al- 
kaloid morphia,  is  well  worthy  of  a  trial,  and  if  the  case 
be  taken  in  time,  it  will  scarcely  deceive. 

Laudanum. — Tincture  of  Opium. — Every  fifteen 
drops  of  the  tincture  contain  one  grain  of  opium.  Lau- 
danum is  the  most  costly  of  all  the  preparations  of  opium ; 
and  not  only  that,  the  large  quantity  of  alcohol,  or  spi- 
rits of  wine  it  contains,  is  a  decided  objection  to  its  use 
in  many  diseases.  Crude  opium  rubbed  down  with  a  lit- 
tle water  will  be  far  better  when  it  is  to  be  used  at  once, 
or  not  to  be  kept  for  any  time.  Laudanum  is  used  in 
lotions  and  liniments  for  the  relief  of  pain,  and  it  enters 
into  eye  washes,  for  the  same  purpose. 

Wine  of  opium  contains  spices.     Not  much  used. 

Codia,  narcotine,  narceine,  paramorphia,  papaverine, 
meconine  and  meconic  acid,  are  the  various  constituents 
of  opium,  but  which  are  not  used  in  medicine,  either  in 
domestic  or  veterinary. 

Battley's  sedative  drops,  so  well  and  familiarly  known 
throughout  the  world,  wherever  the  English  language  is 
spoken,  though  a  secret,  are  known  to  contain  opium, 
water  and  a  little  spirit,  and  is  one-third  stronger  than 
laudanum. 

Pariera  Brava. — A  root^  which  is  to  be  sliced,  and 
add  one  pint  of  water  to  one  ounce  of  the  root.  Boil, 
and  strain  when  cold.  This  is  a  good  tonic  for  horses. 
Mix  with  the  feed,  half  a  pint  to  the  dose. 

Peach  Leaves. — One  ounce  infused  in  the  same  way 
as  tea,  with  one  pint  of  water.    •  This  infusion  is  an  ex- 


256  .  HORSE   AND   CATTLE   MEDICi:^ES. 

cellent  application  to  the  skin  of  animals  having  the  itch 
and  skin  diseases. 

Peppermint. — Mentha  Piperita. — The  essence  of  this 
garden  plant  is  sometimes  given  to  horses  having  colic, 
and  given  in  doses  of  twenty  drops.  Dogs  can  have, 
three  drops  for  a  dose,  in  the  same  disease. 

Pepper. 

(1.)  Black  Pepper. — Piper  JSligrum. — Occasionally 
given  to  horses  affected  with  colic. 

(2.)  Jamaica  Pepper. — Pimento — Allspice. — This  is 
a  valuable  medicine  for  horses  and  cattle  affected  with 
fever,  loss  of  appetite  and  indigestion. 

Doses. — From  three  to  five  drachms,  and  is  given  in 
combination  with  ammonia. 

(3.)  Capsicum. — Cayenne  Pepper. — This  is  also  used 
for  the  same  purpose  as  the  above,  and  given  in  from 
twenty  to  thirty  grain  doses. 

Pepsin. — The  active  principle  of  the  gastric  juice  of 
animals.  Its  cost  prevents  its  use  in  calves  having  diar- 
rhoea, when  the  discharges  are  like  milk.  A  good  sub- 
stitute for  pepsin  is  rennet,  which  farmers  should  have 
about  them;  not  only  for  cheese-making  purposes,  but  for 
use  in  looseness,  or  scours  in  calves.  It  assists  the  sto- 
mach to  digest  the  milk,  which,  in  diarrhoea,  lays  upon 
the  stomach,  without  being  digested  or  changed.  Hence 
the  white  diarrhoea,  so  often  seen  in  calves. 

Petroleum. — Bock  Oil. —  This  substance  was  for- 
merly highly  recommended  in  chest  diseases,  but  it  has 
been  succeeded  by  more  certain  and  successful  drugs  for 
this  purpose.  However,  it  is  still  occasionally  used  as 
an  external  application  for  sores,  and  for  the  destruction 


POTASH.  257 

of  lice,  etc.,  in  the  skin.  It  is  apt  to  leave  a  blemish  by 
causing  the  hair  to  fall  off,  and  in  some  cases  where  I 
have  seen  it  used  too  extensively,  perhaps  the  hair  did 
not  come  again.  The  better  way  to  use  coal  oil  is  to 
mix  equal  parts  with  some  other  oil  having  no  acrid 
principle. 

Phosphorus. — An  elementary  substance  resembling 
wax.  There  is,  however,  another  resembling  brick  dust, 
when  in  a  mass.  The  preparations  of  phosphorus  are 
numerous : — Hypophosphate  of  ammonia,  hypophosphate 
of  iron,  and  the  phosphate  of  lime,  or  bone,  or 
earth,  phosphate  of  soda,  and  of  quinine.  Phosphoric 
acid,  diluted,  is  the  one  which  should  be  used  in  veteri- 
nary practice. 

Phosphoric  Acid — Is  used  in  diseases  of  the  bones  of 
young  colts. 

Doses. — For  young  colts,  the  dose  will  vary  from  ten 
to  sixty  drops,  given  diluted  in  cold  water. 

Pitch. — Burgundy  Pitch. — The  concrete  juice  of 
the  Abies  exeelsa. — This  is  used  in  the  composition  of  the 
plaster,  formerly  used  over  the  loins,  in  weakness,  sprains, 
lumbago,  etc.,  in  the  horse. — Not  now  recommended. 

Pomegranate  Punica- — G-ranatum. — The  bark  of 
the  root  of  this  tree  is  used  for  the  destruction  of  tape 
worm,  in  all  animals.  Take  of  the  bark,  one  ounce ; 
water,  one  pint ;  and  boil  down  one  half.  The  dose  for 
the  dog  will  be  a  small  wine  glassful. 

Poppies. — (See  Opium.) 

Potash. — Oxide  of  Potassium. — Preparations  of  pot- 
ash are  many  : —  ' 

(1.)  Caustic  Potash. — Used  as  its  name  indicates,  as 
a  caustic,  and  is  a  favorite  one  of  mine.  Many  persons 
17 


258  HORSE    AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

object  to  it,  on  account  of  its  extreme  fluidity,  which  I 
consider  to  be  its  most  valuable  property ;  as  if  it  did  not 
readily  assume  a  fluid  form,  its  caustic  properties  would 
not  be  so  good.  Indeed,  according  to  its  fluidity,  when 
applied  to  a  part,  so  does  its  caustic  property  entirely  de- 
pend. For  the  quick  reduction  of  proud  flesh,  it  has  no 
superior. 

(2.)  Carbonate  of  Potash. — This  is  sometimes  used 
as  an  antacid,  but  is  not  much  used  in  horse  and  cattle 
diseases. 

(3.)  SuLPHURET  OF  PoTASH. — Hepar  Sulph. — Liver  of 
Sulphur. — This  is  a  valuable  remedy  when  applied  to 
mange  in  all  animals.  Dissolve  an  ounce  in  a  pint  of 
water,  first  having  rubbed  the  mangey  part  with  fine 
sand,  to  expose  the  insect  to  the  action  of  the  sulphuret. 

(4.)  Sulphate  of  Potash. — (See  Glauber's  Salts.) 

(5.)  Iodide  of  Potash. — (See  Iodine.) 

(6.)  Nitrate  of  Potash. — (See  Saltpetre.) — The  ace- 
tate, and  tartrate  of  potash,  are  not  used  in  veterinary 
practice. 

(7.)  Chlorate  of  Potash. — Used  for  the  same  pur- 
poses as  the  nitrate,  and  in  the  same  doses.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  the  permanganate.  V 

Prussic  Acid. — (See  Acid.) 

Pumpkin  Seeds. — An  excellent  remedy  for  destroy- 
ing tape  worm. 

Purgatives. — Medicines  which  empty  the  bowels. 

Pyroxylic  Spirit. —  Wood  Naphtha. — Used  to  relieve 
chronic  cough,  and  is  given  in  half-ounce  doses  in  gruel. 

C^uinine. — (See  Cinchona.) 

Rennet. — (See  Pepsin.) 


Nv 


SARRACENIA   PURPURA.  259 

Rhubarb. — Rheum  Palmatum. — Rhubarb  is  tonic 
and  purgative  in  dogs,  and  other  carnivorous  animals,  but 
in  horses  and  cattle  it  has  scarcely  any  effect  whatever, 
further  than  improving  the  appetite.  Better,  and  much 
more  efficient  and  cheaper  drugs  are  used  in  horse  and 
cattle  diseases.  I  know  of  a  gentleman  farmer,  who  uses 
the  spiced  rhubarb  in  young  calves,  in  cases  of  looseness 
of  the  bowels,  and  in  diarrhoea.  The  dose  of  the  spiced 
rhubarb,  will  be  from  one  to  two  teaspoonfuls,  repeating 
it  two  to  three  times  a  day. 

Ricinus  Communis. — (See  Castor  Oil.) 
Rochelle  Salts. — (A  Tartrate  of  Potash  and  Soda.) 

Saffron. — Crocus  Sativus. — (See  Colchicum.) 

Sagapenum. — This  is  a  gum,  and  is  used  for  the  same 
purp(?ses  as  asafoetida. 

Sal  Ammonia. — Chloride  of  Ammonia. — (See  Am- 
monia.) 

Salt. — Table  Salt. — Chloride  of  Sodium,  a  valuable 
condiment,  when  given  with  theTood  of  animals.  Salt  is  a 
laxative  in  the  horse,  cattle  and  sheep,  and  is  considered 
^^  preventive  of  sheep  rot. 

Sal  Volatile. — This  is  the  compound  spirit  of  ammo- 
nia.— (See  Ammonia.) 

Sassafras. — Laurus  Sassafras. — This  is  a  favorite 
remedy  with  farmers  for  their  horses,  and  is  given  to  them 
in  the  spring  of  the  year,  to  strengthen  and  improve 
the  appetite.  Sassafras  may  be  given  to  horses,  either  in 
the  form  of  a  powder,  or  as  a  decoction,  or  tea,  and 
mixed  with  th^  food. 

Sarracenia  Purpura. — Indian  Cup  or  Pitcher 
Plant. — This  plant  is  found  growing  along  the  coast  of 


260  HORSE   AND   CATTLE   MEDICINES. 

Labrador,  to  the  shores  of  the  Gulf  of    Mexico,  on  wet 
and  marshy  land. 

Use. — This  plant  has  recently  proved  to  be  one  of  the 
most  useful,  in  the  whole  list  of  medicines,  and  from  all 
accounts,  it  is,  and  will  still  be  a  blessing  to  thousands 
who  may  become  affected  with  small  pox.  For  small  pox 
in  cattle  and  sheep,  it  is  not  only  a  sure  remedy,  but  also, 
as  good  a  preventive  for  the  disease.  The  form  and 
manner  of  using  this  medicine,  is  in  that  of  a  tea- 
The  time,  however,  will  soon  be,  when  the  chemist  will 
provide  us  with  an  extract,  or  an  alkaloid  of  this  plant, 
which  will  enable  us  to  give  the  essence  of  the  plant  with- 
out any  inert  matter.  Take  from  one  to  two  ounces  of  the 
dried  root,  and  slice  in  thin  pieces,  place  in  an  earthen  pot, 
or  other  vessel,  and  add  a  quart  of  cold  water,  and  allow 
the  liquid  ^to  simmer  gently  over  a  slow  fire,  for  ^wo  to 
three  hours,  so  as  to  lose  one  fourth  of  the  quantity. 

Dose. — Give  to  cattle,  half  a  pint ;  and  to  sheep,  two 
wine  glassfuls;  repeating  the  dose  in  six  hours,  when  a 
cure  will  generally  be  effected. 

Savin. — Juniperus  Sahina. — The  oil  of  juniper  is  used 
in  veterinary  practice,  for  the  purpose  of  destroying 
worms  in  all  animals.  # 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  the  dose  is  from  three  to 
four  drachms,  and  for  the  dog,  three  to  five  drops.  An 
ointment  of  the  dried  savin  tops  is  used  for  the  purpose 
of  keeping  up  the  action  of  blisters.  One  part  of  the 
fresh  tops,  to  sixteen  parts  of  lard. 

Sedatives. — Medicines  which  allay  inordinate  action 
of  the  heart. 

Senaga  Polygala  Senaga. — Snahe  Boot. — This 
is  like  other  of  our  native  herbs, — is  often  used  by 
country  folks   in  the  spring  of  the  year,   by  giving  a 


SODA.  261 

decoction,  or  tea  of  the  snake  root  to  their  horses.  It 
is  an  excellent  remedy  in  coughs,  bronchitis,  cold,  etc. 
Take  one  ounce,  and  boil  in  a  pint  and  a  half  of  water, 
and  strain  through  a  sieve  or  strainer. 

Dose. — For  a  horse,  half  a  pint ;  mixed  in  his  feed,  night 
and  morning. 

SialagOgues. — Medicines  which  increase  the  secretion 
of  saliva,  such  as  aconite  in  large  doses,  and  second  crop 
clover,  after  it  has  been  exposed  to  cold  nights  or  a  little 
frost. 

Silver.— Nitrate  of— Lunar  Caustic.— Used  as  a 

caustic  to  unhealthy  sores  and  ulcers,  and  a  solution, 
three  to  four  grains  to  an  ounce  of  rain  or  distilled  water, 
is  used  to  the  eye  in  purulent  ophthalmia.  The  nitrate  of 
silver  is  too  costly  for  general  use.  The  sulphate  of 
copper,  or  blue  stone,  will  for  most  purposes  answer  as 
well,  and  is  very  cheap. 


CAUSTIC   HOLDER. 


Soap. — A  combination  of  fatty  acid  with  an  alkali. 
Soap  Liniment. — Opodeldoc. — A  very  useful  appli- 
cation for  sprains,  bruises,  and  for  stiff  joints. 

Soda. — A  mineral  alkali.    ^ 

(1.)  Carbonate  of  Soda. — Useful  as  an  antacid,  in 
doses  of  from  two  to  four  drachms. 

(2.)  Sulphate  oe  Soda. — (See  Glauber's  Salts.) 

(3.)  Sulphite  of  Soda. — This  is  made  by  passing  a 
stream  of  sulphurous  acid  through  a  concentrated  solution 


262  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 

of  carbonate  of  soda.  This  is  a  valuable  article  in  the 
treatment  of  diseases  of  horses  and  cattle.  The  sulphite 
of  soda  possesses  the  power  of  neutralizing  the  action  of 
zumins,  ferments,  or  leavens,  when  introduced  into  the 
circulation.  Professor  Polli,  of  Milan,  has  clearly  de- 
monstrated, that  this  substance  is  capable  of  purifying  the 
blood  of  noxious  matters,  and  further,  he  has  by  his  ex- 
periments upon  dogs,  proved  that  glanders  can  be  cured 
by  it,  for  he  says,  that  forty-five  grains  of  the  virus  of 
glanders  taken  from  the  nares  of  the  nose  of  a  glandered 
horse,  and  injected  into  the  circulation  of  a  dog,  after  the 
disease  had  shown  itself  in  the  dog,  it  was  readily  cured  by 
the  administration  of  the  sulphite  of  soda.  Upwards  of 
seventy  cases  have  thus  been  experimented  upon  by  this  dis- 
tinguished professor.  All  going  to  show  the  value  of  soda, 
as  a  purifier  of  the  blood,  by  its  alterative  effects. 

Sulphite  of  soda  is  indicated  in  all  cases  of  eruptions  on 
the  skin,  in  farcy,  glanders  and  purpura  in  the  horse,  and  in 
pleuro-pneumonia  and  rinderpest,  etc.  in  cattle.  Wherever 
pus  is  thrown  out  as  a  product  of  disease,  the  sulphite 
of  soda  should  be  given.  Dogs  with  distemper  should 
have  it  to  keep  the  circulation  pure  of  pus.  The  blood  of 
the  dog  becomes  contaminated  in  this  way,  and  hence,  the 
good  dog  falls  a  victim  to  the  scourge  of  fine  bred  animals. 

Dose, — For  horses  and  cattle,  the  dose  is  from  half  an 
ounce,  to  one  ounce  ;  given  twice  in  the  day.  For  dogs, 
twenty  grains  given  in  camphor  water.  In  farcy  and 
glander  or  other  diseases,  accompanied  with  debility,  the 
soda  should  be  combined  with  gentian  and  other  tonics. 

Spanish  Fly. — Lytta  Cantharides. — An  insect  ground 
into  powder,  and  mixed  with  lard  or  oil,  make  what  is 
familiarly  known  as  a  blister.  The  Spanish  fly  is,  besides 
its  blistering  qualities,  a  very  valuable  internal  medicine. 


SPERMACETI.  263 

a  powerful^tonic  and  altrative,  and  has  been  used  with 
success,  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Vines,  of  London,  England, 
in  the  cure  of  farcy  and  glanders  in  the  horse.  In  the 
same  diseases,  and  where  the  lungs  were  free  from  tubercles, 
I  have  cured  them  with  the  Spanish  fly,  gentian,  copper, 
and  the  sulphite  of  soda. 

Dose. — Spanish  fly  is  given  to  the  horse  in  five  grain 
doses  once  a  day  only,  and  mixed  in  cut  or  soft  feed. 
Horses  are  more  easily  affected  by  the  Spanish  fly  than 
mares.  Blisters  of  Spanish  fly  are  made  as  follows : 
Powdered  Spanish  fly,  one  drachm ;  hog's  lard,  six  drachms ; 
mix,  and  apply,  by  rubbing  with  the  hand  into  the  part 
to  be  blistered,  wash  off  the  part  the  next  day,  and  oil  or 
lard  the  part  for  a  week,  and  the  swelling  will  leave  when 
the  irritation  has  gone  out  of  the  part. 

The  tincture  of  Spanish  fly  was  formerly  used  as  the 
basis  of  the  old  sweating  blister.  An  excellent  applica- 
tion for  the  removal  of  a  splint,  or  soft  tumours  about  the 
legs  of  horses,  is  made  as  follows  :  Tincture  of  Spanish  fly, 
one  ounce  ;  oil  of  croton,  twenty  drops ; .  well  rubbed  into 
the  part,  it  acts  like  magic;  that  is,  if  the  tumor  can  be 
removed  at  all  by  any  means. 

Specifics. — Medicines  which  cure  disease,  but  the 
manner  of  action  is  unknoAvn. 

Spermaceti. — -This  is  a  solid  crystalline  fat,  found  in 
the  large  head  of  the  sperm  Avhale.  There  is  a  plan, 
however,  by  which  it  is  said  that  spermaceti  can  be  made  out 
of  the  muscles  of  a  dead  cow  or  horse,  by  enclosing  the 
flesh  in  a  box  perforated  with  holes,  and  sinking  it  in  a 
running  stream  of  water  for  a  month  or  more,  when  the 
flesh  will  be  converted  into  a  mass  of  tough,  solid  matter. 
After  which,  it  is  treated  with  nitrous  acid,  poured  over  it 
to  remove  the  offensive  smell,  and  to  separate  the  fat. 


2G4  HORSE   AND   CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

Another  plan  is,  to  pour  nitrous  acid  over  the  flesh  without 
immersion  in  the  brook,  and  which  is  said  to  convert  the 
flesh  in  the  short  period  of  three  days,  into  a  yellow 
colored  spermaceti.  Another  plan  is  mentioned  by  Lord 
Bacon,  in  his  work  Sylva  Sylvarium,  that  the  flesh  of  an 
animal  may  be  changed  into  a  fatty  substance,  by  cutting 
it  into  pieces,  and  put  into  a  glass  vessel,  and  covered  with 
parchment,  and  allowed  to  stand  for  six  to  seven  hours  in 
boiling  water.  Experiments  of  this  kind  might  result  in 
2>rofit  to  those  who  might  undertake  them.  The  use  of 
spermaceti  in  horse  and  cattle  diseases,  is  for  the  making 
of  ointments  and  salves,  especially  in  hot  weather,  when 
lard  cannot  be  conveniently  carried  without  the  risk,  not 
only  of  losing  a  portion  of  the  ointment,  but  of  spoiling 
the  clothing,  or  other  articles  coming  in  contact  with  it. 

Spirits  of  Nitrous  Ether. — Sweet  spirits  of  nitre  is 
well  known  to  most  persons  as  a  good  household  remedy 
for  fevers,  etc.  In  the  treatment  of  the  diseases  of  horses 
and  cattle,  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  is  used  as  a  stimulant 
and  antispasmodic,  or  to  a  horse  having  a  chill,  and  in 
colic.  For  colic,  it  was  formerly  used  to  be  given  in 
combination  with  laudanum. 

Dosi^. — For  horses  and  cattle,  the  dose  of  sweet  spirits 
of  nitre  will  be  from  one  to  two  ounces,  given  in  cold  water 
to  prevent  loss. 

Spirits  of  Wine. — Alcohol. — This  is  used  for  making 
tinctures  from  the  various  plants  in  use  for  medicine.  It 
is  also  a  good  stimulant ;  much  better  than  the  bad  whisky 
which  is  so  often  poured  down  the  throats  of  horses  aff'ect- 
ed  with  colic. 

Sponge. — A  valuable  article  for  the  cleansing  of  wounds 
and  sores. 

Starch. — A  good  remedy  in  diarrhoea  in  all  animals, 


SULPHUR.  205 

combined  with  a  few  grains  of  opium,  and  a  little  ground 
ginger,  or  a  few  drops  of  the  tincture,  commonly  called  the 
essence. 

Styptics. — Substances  having  the  quality  of  stopping 
bleedings  from  wounds.  Examples  : — perchloride  of  iron, 
cobwebs,  the  hot  iron,  and  the  bandage. 

Sudorifics. — Medicines  which  produce  sweating. 

Sugar  of  Milk. — Much  used  by  homocpathists,  both 
domestic  and  veterinary,  in  the  form  of  powder,  but  oftener 
in  the  form  of  globules  or  small  pellets.  Not  recommended 
for  the  treatment  of  any  disease.  Molasses  is  the  best  form 
in  which  to  give  sugar  to  animals,  and  is  useful  in  cases  of 
sick  cows,  mixed  in  a  drench. 

Sugar  of  Lead. — (See  Acetate  of  Lead.) 

Sulphuric  Acid. — (See  Acids.) 

Sulphur — Brimstone. — Sulphur  is  kept  in  the  drug 
stores  in  three  forms,  Jlower  of  sulphur,  milk  of  sulphur, 
and  sulphur  vivum. 

Use. — Sulphur  is  chiefly  used  for  skin  diseases,  in  the 
form  of  an  ointment.  Sulphur  is  believed  by  many  per- 
sons to  be  a  great  preventive  of  diseases  and  distempers 
in  all  animals,  and  is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  an  incon- 
gruous mass  extolled  and  recommended  by  the  Hon.  Isaac 
Newton,  ; Commissioner  of  Agriculture,  as  a  preventive 
of  cattle  diseases.  "Whatever  may  be  the  medicinal  virtue 
possessed  by  sulphur,  it  certainly  has  no  prophylactic  ef- 
fects mixed  with  tar,  etc.  The  simple  ointment  of  sulphur 
is  made  as  follows :  take  one  part  of  the  flower,  or  sulphur 
vivum,  and  mix  with  four  parts  of  lard.  In  winter,  when 
lard  is  hard,  oil  should  be  used  instead,  thus  forming  a 
liniment  of  sulphur,  and  is  more  easy  of  application. 

JJoses. — Sulphur  as  a  laxative  for  horses  and  cattle, 
should  be  given  in  doses  from  one  to  three  ounces,  and 


266  HORSE    AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

administered  in  gruel,  in  the  form  of  a  drench.  For  dogs, 
the  dose  is  one  to  two  drachms.  Not  recommended  as  an 
internal  medicine. 

Sulphurous  Acid  Gas. — This  is  one  of  the  most 
powerful  disinfectants  we  have.  The  great  objection  to  its 
general  use  for  this  purpose  is,  its  poisonous  character  when 
breathed  or  inhaled  to  any  extent.  But  from  recent  ex- 
periments instituted  by  Dr.  James  Dewor,  of  Kirkcaldy, 
Scotland,  for  testing  the  efficacy  of  sulphurous  acid  gas  as  a 
disinfectant,  results  are  shown  which  lead  to  the  conviction, 
that  the  diseases  such  as  cholera,  in  man,  and  rinderpest 
and  pleuro-pneumonia  in  cattle,  may  not  only  be  prevented, 
but  much  modified  by  this,  hitherto,  considered  poisonous 
gas.  The  method  of  generating  sulphurous  acid  gas  is 
very  simple  and  inexpensive.  It  is  only  necessary  to 
have  a  small  chaffer  of  red  hot  cinders  from  a  coal  fire, 
set  a  small  crucible  on  the  hot  cinders,  and  place  a  piece 
of  sulphur-stick  about  as  large  as  a  man's  thumb  into  it. 
This  will  fumigate  a  large  cattle  shed,  or  stable,  in  twenty 
minutes.  Contrary  to  expectation,  the  animals  seem  to  en- 
joy it,  and  at  the  same  time  it  acts  as  a  tonic  on  man  and 
beast.  The  shed  or  other  house  must  be  well  ventilated, 
by  having  the  windows  a  little  open  during,  after,  and 
before  the  fumigation.  Sanitary  rules  must  be  enforced 
in  regard  to  cleanliness,  removal  of  dung-heaps,  etc. 
During  the  prevalence  of  such  epizootics  as  are  above 
named,  the  fumigation  may  be  made  according  to  the 
foregoing  directions,  four  or  five  times  in  the  day.  It  is 
further  said,  that  the  treatment  has  not  only  cured  some 
cases  of  the  above  named  diseases,  but  mange,  ring-worm 
and  lice  have  also  vanished  before  it,  and  that  greasy 
heels  in  horses  have  also  been  cured  by  it,  while  severe 
cases   of  tubercles  of  the  lungs,  glanders,  and  farcy  have 


TANNIN.  267 

also  been  relieved  by  the  inhalation  of  this  gas.  This  is 
well  worthy  of  a  fair  trial,  and  if  it  but  accomplish  half 
what  is  claimed  for  it,  a  great  and  cheap  fumigation  and 
disinfectant  is  now  within  our  reach.  But,  bear  in  mind 
still,  that  it  is  a  poisonous  gas,  and  to  prevent  this  effect, 
have  free  ventilation  through  the  whole  place. 

Sulphate  of  Zinc. —  White  Vitriol — This  is  a  valua- 
ble article  for  healing  wounds  and  sores.  Not  ad- 
ministered internally  to  aiiy  animal,  except  as  an  emetic 
to  dogs.  As  an  external  wash  for  sores,  one  part  of  zinc 
to  twenty  of  rain  water,  will  answer  for  most  purposes. 
For  eye  wash,  three  to  four  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water, 
is  one  of  the  best  applications  which  can  be  applied  to  the 
eye,  in  cases  of  purulent  ophthalmia. 

Tannate  of  Glycerine. — An  excellent  application 
to  the  eyes,  in  purulent  opthalmia,  and  to  moist  sores, 
wherever  situated  upon  the  body. 

Tannin. — This  is  the  acid  of  barks,  and  is  valuable, 
mixed  with  water,  in  running  ulcers  and  sores,  and  in 
diarrhoea,  in  all  animals.  The  powder  sprinkled  upon 
bleeding  sores,  will  in  many  cases  stop  it.  One  drachm  to  a 
pint  of  cold  water  makes  a  good  eyewash,  and  in  many  cases 
dries  up  the  scum,  and  removes  it  altogether.  It  is  certainly 
a  cheap  and  useful  remedy,  and  can  do  no  harm  to  the  eye. 

Doses. — For  horses  and  cattle,  in  diarrhoea,  the  dose 
of  tannic  acid  is  from  half  to  one  drachm,  given  in  gruel 
as  a  drench.  For  calves  with  the  same  disease,  give 
from  ten  to  twenty  grains  as  a  dose,  mixed  with  wheat 
flour  gruel.  Snuffed  up  the  nostrils  by  man,  in  bleeding 
from  the  nose,  it  will  in  most  cases  arrest  it  at  once. 

Tannin  of  Keameria.  —  This  is  used  for  the 
same  purpose  as  the  preceding,  but  it  is  a  better  stypic, 
or  arrester  of  bleeding  from  the  skin  or  sores. 


268  HORSE  AND  CATTLE  MEDICINES. 

Tar- — Pix  Liquida. — Tar  is  not  now  used  internally 
to  the  extent  it  formerly  was.  To  cattle  it  is  still  given 
in  a  disease  of  the  throat  called  dyers.  For  this  purpose 
egg  shells  are  filled  with  good  Barbadoes  tar,  and  sus- 
pended on  the  end  of  a  split  stick,  and  gently  pushed 
down  the  throat  of  the  ox.  As  an  external  application, 
tar  is  still  used  on  sores  about  cattle,  to  keep  the  flies 
off,  and  is  used  to  make  stopping  for  horses  feet  singly, 
and  mixed  with  clay,  etc.  It  is  kept  in  every  horse- 
shoeing shop  for  putting  on  the  soles,  and  kept  there 
with  cotton,  and  a  leather  sole  nailed  on  with  the  shoe. 

Oil  of  Tar.  —  This  is  an  excellent  application 
when  mixed  with  equal  parts  of  sweet,  or  some  fish  oil, 
to  promote  the  growth  of  horn  of  the  foot  of  the  horse. 
To  give  it  a  dark  color  to  suit  the  foot,  lamp  black  may 
be  stirred  in,  in  sufiicient  quantity  to  make  a  black  hoof 
ointment,  which  will  be  found  an  excellent  formula  for 
this  purpose. 

Tartar  Emetic. — (See  Antimony.) 

Tobacco. — Nicotiana  Tahaciim. — Tobacco  is  used  as  jt 
medicine,  principally  in  skin  diseases,  and  for  the  de- 
struction of  lice  and  other  insects,  in  the  wool  of  sheep. 
Tobacco  smoke  is  a  favorite  remedy  Avith  some  veterina- 
rians, for  the  removal  and  killing  of  worms,  and  in  con- 
stipation, and  in  colic.  For  these  purposes,  better  and 
safer  agents  are  in  every  day  use.  Tobacco  in  all,  or 
any  of  its  forms,  is  dangerous,  being  followed  by  great 
sickness,  nausea  and  prostration,  from  which  many  ani- 
mals are  ultimately  destroyed. 

Tragacanth.— (See  Gum.) 

Turpentine. — Terihenthce, — The  various  varieties  of 
turpentine  in  market. 


TURPENTINE.  269 

(1.)  Common  Turpentine — Is  the  produce  of  the 
pi7ius  imhistris  of  North  Carolina,  and  other  states,  and 
also  of  Norway,  and  the  north  of  Europe.  The  Pmus 
sylvest7'is,  or  Scotch  fir,  yields  considerable  turpentine. 

(2.)  Venice  Turpentine — Is  procured  from  the 
Larix  Europea. 

(3.)  Canada  Balsam. — This  is  procured  from  Abies 
Bahamce,  and  is  considered  to  be  the  purest  of  all  the 
turpentines';  hence  it  is  called  sometimes,  the  balsam  of 
Gilead. 

(4.)  Frankincense. — This  is  the  product  from  Nor- 
way, and  the  north  of  Europe.  This  variety  enters  into 
the  composition  of  what  is  known  as  Burgundy  Pitch, 
and  is  used  in  veterinary  practice  for  making  adhesive 
plasters  for  the  loins  of  horses,  having  been  sprained,  or 
having  lumbago. 

(5.)  Oil  of  Turpentine. — This  is  commonly  called 
the  spirits  of  turpentine,  and  is  used  very  largely  in 
horse  and  cattle  diseases,  both  for  internal  administra- 
tion and  external  application. 

Uses. — Oil  of  turpentine  is  a  powerful  stimulant,  diu- 
retic, and  antispasmodic,  and  is  therefore  used  in  colic  in 
the  horse,  and  in  puerperal  apoplexy  in  cows,  and  in  gen- 
eral debility  in  all  animals,  and  as  an  external  embroca- 
tion, it  is  very  efficient  when  combined  with  an  equal 
portion  of  sweet  oil,  but  very  dangerous  ^when  applied 
to  the  skin  of  the  horse  alone.  The  horse  will  become 
restless,  and,  in  some  cases,  utterly  unmanageable. 

Doses. — The  doses  of  oil  of  turpentine  for  horses  and 
cows  will  be  from  one  to  two  ounces  always  mixed  with 
its  own  bulk  of  oil,  especially  for  horses.  For  dogs 
affected  with  tape  ^worm,  half  to  one  drachm  is  the  dose, 
mixed  with  the  yolk  of  an  egg. 


270  HORSE    AND    CATTLE    MEDICINES. 

(6.)  Rosin — Or  resin,  is  the  residue  left  from  the  dis- 
tilation  of  turpentine,  and  is  chiefly  used  by  horsemen 
to  cause  the  horse  to  urinate  more  freely.  Much  mis- 
chief is  often  done  to  horses,  by  the  administration  of 
rosin.  Indeed,  most  diseases  of  the  kidneys  and  of 
the  loins,  can  be  traced  to  over-dosing  with  this  sub- 
stance. The  more  and  oftener  that  rosin  is  given  to  the 
horse,  the  more  the  horse  appears  in  the  eyes  of  the 
driver  to  stand  in  need  of  his  favorite  dose.  The  kidneys 
become  over-worked,  the  desire  to  urinate  is  more  fre- 
quent, and  less  urine  is  voided  each  time,  and  the  poor 
man  does  not  see  the  mischief  he  has  already  done,  but 
hastens  to  give  the  horse  more  to  remedy  the  urinary  defect 
he  has  thus  been  instrumental  in  producing.  It  will  be 
well  to  remember  that  powerful  diuretics,  like  powerful 
purgatives,  tend  only  to  weaken  and  debilitate.  If  there 
be  a  urinary  defect,  find  out  ^the  cause,  and  if  possible 
have  it  removed,  and  the  efi'ect  will  cesise  ^' causa  suh- 
lata,  toUitur,  effectus,"  but  do  not  attempt  to  do  so  by 
force,  and  against  all  science  and  common  sense.  Other 
preparations  of  turpentine  have  already  been  noticed. 
(See  Tar.) 

Urse  Ursi — The  leaves  of  the  whortleberry, — was 
once  in  repute  in  diseases  of  the  horse,  but  it  has  now 
fallen,  and  others  have  taken  its  place.  It  was  used 
chiefly  in  diseases  of  the  bladder  and  kidney. 

Valerian. —  Valeriana  Officinalis. — However  useful 
valerian  may  be  in  nervous  irritation  in  man,  it  is  not  so 
useful  in  veterinary  patients.  Camphor,  and  the  gum 
resins,  or  assafoetida,  answer  our  purpose  better  than 
valerian. 


WAX.  271 

Valerinate  of  Soda. — This  has  been  found  useful 
in  chorea,  or  twitching  of  the  muscles  in  the  dog,  in  doses 
of  from  one  to  two  grains. 

(1.)  Valerinate  of  Iron. — A  good  tonic  for  the 
dog. 

(2.)  Valerinate  of  Quinine. — An  excellent  remedy 
for  agues  in  man. 

Veratrum. —  White  Hellebore. — If  we  had  not  so 
useful  a  sedative  medicine  as  we  have* in  aconite,  I  would 
certainly  recommend  the  tincture  of  white  hellebore- 
root,  in  all  diseases  for  which  aconite  is  recommended,  on 
account  of  its  being  more  dangerous  than  aconite  from 
an  over-dose,  I  will  not  say  much  more  about  it,  as 
wherever  white  hellebore  is  found  in  the  country  stores, 
aconite  will  be  there  also.  Hence,  there  can  be  no  good 
reason  for  recommending  it  when  aconite  can  be  pro- 
cured. 

Veratria. — The  alkaloid  of  white  hellebore,  and  is 
one  of  the  most  destructive  of  the  deadly  poisons.  No- 
thing can  be  more  so  than  this  preparation  of  hellebore; 
and  what  is  more,  at  present,  no  test  is  known  whereby 
to  detect  its  presence  within  the  stomach  or  system. 

Wax. — This  substance  is  used  for  giving  hardness 
and  consistency  to  ointments,  and  is  a  favorite  substance 
with  me  in  the  form  of  shoemaker's  wax,  for  the  purpose 
of  filling  up  cracks  and  holes  in  the  feet  of  horses,  to 
keep  out  sand  and  dirt.  To  be  applied  as  follows: — 
Make  the  wax  in  the  form  of  a  stick,  so  that  it  can  be 
held  by  one  end,  while  you  hold  a  hot  iron  to  the  other ; 
and  hold  it  over  the  hole  or  crack,  so  that  the  warm  wax 
will  drop  into  it.     When  the  part  is  full,  wet  the  finger, 


272  HORSE   AND   CATTLE   MEDICINES. 

and  hj  this  means  the  wax  can  be  smoothed,  so  that  or- 
dinary observers  can  scarcely  observe  a  deficiency  in  the 
foot.  The  hole  or  crack  must  be  perfectly  dryland  free 
from  moisture,  or  else  the  wax  will  not  stick  very  long. 
When  dry,  and  the  wax  put  properly  in,  it  will  last  for  a 
month,  or  till  the  next  shoeing  time. 

Willow  Bark. — A  much  neglected,  valuable  and 
cheap  medicine.  This  substance  has  within  it  a  crystal- 
line substance  called  salicine,  which  is  an  excellent  sub- 
stitute for  the  expensive  quinine.  Farmers  and  others 
will  do  well  to  gather  this '  bark  in  sufficient  quantity, 
and  have  it  dried;  and  in  the  spring  of  the  year,  or 
when  any  of  the  horses  are  weak,  or  out  of  sorts,  take 
of  the  willow  bark  one  pound,  and  boil  in  four 
quarts  of  water,  till  two  quarts  are  left ;  then  strain  for 
use,  and  give  a  tumblerful  mixed  in  cut  feed,  once  or 
twice  in  the  day.  This  will  be  found  much  better  than 
the  black  snake  root  already  spoken  of  under  its  proper 
head. 

Yea^t. — Brewer's  yeast  is  one  of  the  best  applications 
which  can  be  applied  to  an  unhealthy  sore  or  ulcer,  as  it 
immediately  changes  its  look  and  smell.  A  mixture  of 
yeast  and  charcoal  is  a  domestic  remedy  not  to  be  over- 
looked in  the  treatment  of  sores,  especially  in  the  sum- 
mer time.  The  yeast  and  the  charcoal  are  to  be  mixed 
in  the  form  of  a  poultice,  and  used  as  such,  occasionally 
changing  it,  so  that  full  benefit  may  be  given  to  the  sore 
by  its  use.  After  the  sore  is  cleansed  and  corrected,  it 
may  be  then  healed  as  a  simple,  healthy  sore,  by  other 
remedies  amply  described  through  the  book. 

Zinc. — There  are  several  preparations  of  zinc,  which 
are  used  in  the  treatment  of  horse  and  cattle  diseases, 
but  chiefly  in  the  form  of  external  applications. 


ZINC.  273 

(1.)  Oxide  of  Zinc. — This  is  a  Tvhite  powder,  like 
wheat  flour,  and  is  useful  applied  as  a  powder  in  greasy 
heels  and  other  sores,  which  discharge  a  sanious  fluid 
from  them.  Oxide  of  zinc  is  often  used  in  the  form  of 
an  ointment  mixed  with  lard,  and  an  excellent  ointment 
is  made  by  soap  shaved  down,  and  moistened  with  a  little 
water,  and  oxide  of  zinc  added  to  it.  This  is  a  good 
form  to  apply  to  greasy  heels,  and  scratches  on  horscg, 
which  have  to  work  every  day:  it  keeps  down  irritation 
and  fever,  and,  consequently,  prevents  swelling  of  the 
legs,  and  it  is  easily  washed  oSf  on  the  horse  coming  into 
the  stable  for  the  night. 

(2.)  Carbonate  of  Zinc. — This  is  used  under  the  old 
name  of  calamine,  either  in  the  form  of  a  powder  or  an 
ointment.  The  ointment  is  made  by  adding  four  parts 
of  lard  to  one  of  calamine.     Good  for  healing  sores. 

(3.)  Sulphate  of  Zinc. — This  preparation  of  zinc 
has  already  been  described  under  the  head  of  sulphate 
of  zinc,  (which  see.) 

(4.)  Chloride  of  Zinc. — Butter  of  Zinc. — This,  as 
well  as  the  other  forms  of  zinc,  is  not  used  as  an  internal 
medicine,  except  the  sulphate,  which  is  occasionally  given 
to  the  dog  as  an  emetic. 

Chloride  of  zinc  is  a  powerful  disinfectant  and  deodo- 
rizer, and  is  used  in  the  healing  of  wounds  and  sores. 
The  solution  is  the  usual  form  of  using  it.  Two  grains 
of  the  chloride  of  zinc  to  the  ounce  of  rain  water,  makes 
a  good  eye  wash.  For  ordinary  sores,  four  to  five  grains 
of  the  zinc  to  one  ounce  of  rain  water,  is  a  good  applica- 
tion. One  characteristic  of  the  preparations  of  zinc 
when  applied  to  sores  is,  no  proud  flesh  can  or  will  arise 
during  their  use.  The  chloride  of  zinc  is  used  by  some 
veterinarians   as   a  caustic,  but  for  this  purpose  better 

18 


274 


PRESCRIPTIONS   AND   PREPARATIONS. 


caustics,   and  cheaper  caustic,  will  be  found  elsewhere 
described. 

(5.)  Acetate  of  Zinc. — This  is  made  by  dissolving 
oxide  or  carbonate  of  zinc  in  acetic  acid.  The  chief  use 
of  the  acetate  of  zinc  is  for  the  healing  of  wounds.  In 
European  stables  it  is  used  for  the  purpose  of  wetting 
bandages  applied  to  old  hunters  and  other  horses,  whose 
legs  cannot  be  otherwise  kept  fine  and  free  from  swell- 
ing. The  bandages  usually  employed  in  such  cases  are 
made  of  wash  leather,  which  is  so  extensively  used  for 
drying  carriages  after  being  washed,  and  is  called  cha- 
mois leather. 

Zingiberis. — (See  Ginger.) 

Zyloidine. — This  is  a  white  substance,  which  is  in- 
soluble, and  is  obtained  from  starch,  and  concentrated 
nitric  acid  and  cold  water. 


PRESCRIPTIONS  AND  PREPARATIONS. 


Cerates. — Used  for  dressing  sores  and  ulcers. 

(1.)  Simple  Cerate. — Take  yellow  or  white  wax, 
three  ounces ;  olive  oil,  two  ounces ;  melt  them  on  a 
slow  fire. 

2.)  Turner's  Cerate. — Take  of  simple  cerate  five 
ounces ;  prepared  calamine,  one  ounce ;  mix,  and  stir  till 
cold. 


DRENCHES.  275 

(3.)  Cerate  of  Zmc.  —  Take  simple  cerate,  six 
ounces;  melt,  and  add  oxide  of  zinc,  one  ounce,  and 
stir  till  cold. 

(4.)  Resin  Cerate. —  Yellow  Basilicon. — Take  yellow 
rosin  and  yellow  wax,  of  each  half  a  pound,  then  add 
eight  ounces  of  olive  oil  or  lard,  melt  together  over  a 
slow  fire,  and  strain  through  flannel  cloth  while  hot. 
This  is  an  old,  but  excellent  application  for  sores,  scalds, 
burns,  etc. 

Clysters. — For  colic  of  all  kinds,  take  warm  water 
of  about  blood  heat,  one  stable  bucket  full,  four  ounces 
of  common  table  salt,  soap  sufficient  to  make  a  good 
lather  or  froth ;  of  this,  three  to  four  quarts  may  be  in- 
jected per  rectum,  every  half  hour  till  the  animal  is  well. 
For  the  expulsion  of  the  fundament  bots,  injections  of 
flax  seed  oil  is  an  excellent  and  safe  way  of  removing 
them.  Tobacco  smoke  injections  are  sometimes  used  for 
their  removal,  as  well  as  in  cases  of  constipation.  To 
give  injections  of  tobacco  smoke,  an  instrument  having 
both  force  and  suction  is  necessary.  Tobacco  smoke  is 
not  recommended  for  either  of  these  affections  by  the 
author. 

Drenches.  —  Used  in  cases  of  colic.  Take  sul- 
phuric ether,  half  an  ounce ;  laudanum,  two  ounces ; 
flaxseed  oil,  one  pint:  mix.  Or  take  spirits  of  turpentine, 
one  ounce;  tincture  of  aconite  root,  twenty-five  drops ; 
aloes,  one  ounce  in  solution :  mix.  Or  take  warm  ale, 
two  pints ;  ground  ginger,  half  an  ounce,  tincture  of  aco- 
nite root,  twenty  drops  :  mix.  Used  in  flatulent  colic, 
accompanied  with  swelling  of  the  belly.  Take  lauda- 
num, two  ounces  ;  aloes  in  solution,  one  ounce  ;  chloride 
of  lime,  half  an  ounce :  mix.  Or  take  tincture  of  aconite 
root,   twenty  drops ;  aloes  in   solution,  one  ounce ;  sul- 


276  PRESCRIPTIONS   AND   PREPARATIONS. 

phite  of  soda,  one  ounce ;  mix.  Or  take  spirits  of 
hartshorn,  three  drachms ;  aloes  in  solution,  one  ounce ; 
water,  one  pint :  mix. 

Eye  Lotions  and  Washes. 
Astringent  Eye  Lotion. — Take  sulphate  of  zinc, 

five  grains  ;   rain  water,  one  ounce  :  mix. 

Lotion  for  Purulent  Discharges  from  the  Eye. 

— Take  sulphate  of  copper,  three  grains ;  laudanum,  ten 
drops ;  rain  water,  one  ounces :  mix. 

For  the  Same. — Nitrate  of  silver,  four  grains ;  rain 
water,  one  ounce:  mix,  and  apply  with  a  camel's  hair 
pencil  once  in  the  day. 

Soothing  Eye  "Wash. — Take  extract  of  bellodanna 
half  a  drachm ;  rain  water  or  distilled  water,  six  ounces ; 
dissolve  and  strain.  This  is  to  be  used  warm,  as  a  fomen- 
tation to  the  eye. 

Mild  Astringent  Eye  Water. — Alum,  four  grains ; 
rain  water,  one  ounce:  mix. 

Sedative  Eye  Wash. — Take  sulphate  of  atropine, 
three  grains;  rain  or  distilled  water,  one  ounce;  mix, 
and  strain.  The  reader  of  this  book  will  remember  that 
belladonna,  or  atropine,  when  applied  to  the  eye,  will 
cause  the  pupil  of  the  eye  to  dilate. 

Eye  Salves. 

Nitrate  of  Silver  Ointment. — Take  nitrate  of  sil- 
ver, twelve  grains ;  dissolve  in  as  many  drops  of  water ; 
simple  cerate,  one  ounce:  mix. 

Precipitate  Ointment- — Take  red  precipitate  of 
mercury,  three  grains ;  pure  lard,  two  draqoras :  mix, 
and  use  when  the  eyelids  are  red  and  oozing. 


LINIMENTS.  277 

Freezing  Mixtures. 

Take  sal  ammoniac,  five  parts ;  nitre,  five  parts ;  cold 
water,  sixteen  parts :  mix.  Or,  take  sal  ammoniac,  and 
nitre,  of  each  five  parts;  Glauber's  salts,  eight  parts; 
cold  water,  sixteen  parts :  mix.  The  article  to  be 
cooled  is  to  be  placed  in  a  tin  vessel,  which  is  to  be 
placed  in  the  mixture  just  as  a  butter  kettle  would  be 
placed  in  ice  water.  Bj  throwing  a  handful  of  sal 
ammoniac,  or  coarse  salt  or  nitre,  upon  ice  or  snow,  a  low 
degree  of  cold  will  be  produced,  sufficient  for  all  pur- 
poses. Freezing  mixtures  are  of  much  benefit  when  ap- 
plied to  sprains,  when  ice  cannot  be  had. 

Liniments  or  Embrocations. 

Liniments  are  external  applications,  and  are  used  for 
the  cure  of  sprains,  bruises,  chronic  swellings,  etc. 

Liniment  of  Ammonia- — Take  solution  of  am- 
monia, two  ounces ;  sweet  oil,  six  ounces  :  mix. 

Liniment  of  Camphor. — Take  camphor,  one  ounce  ; 
olive  or  SNveet  oil,  three  ounces:  mix. 

Liniment  of  Aconite. — Take  tincture  of  aconite 
root,  two  ounces ;  olive  or  sweet  oil,  four  ounces ;  crea- 
sote,  one  ounce :  mix.  This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable 
embrocations  which  can  be  applied  to  a  painful  bruise,  or 
sprain  of  whatever  kind.  It  removes,  and  allays  inflam- 
mation, irritation  and  pain. 

Liniment  of  Lead. — Take  soap  (castile,)  five  ounces ; 
camphor,  one  drachm  ;  Goulard's  extract  of  lead,  half 
an  ounce ;  boiling  water,  one  pint.  Cut  the  soap  into 
thin  pieces,  and  the  camphor  in  fine  powder,  and  stir 
them  into  the  Goulard's  extract,  then  pour  in  the  boiling 
water. 


% 


li^ 


278  PRESCRIPTIONS    AND    PREPARATIONS. 

Soap  Liniment- — Opodeldoc. — Take  castile,  or  even 
white  soap,  three  ounces  ;  oil  of  rosemary,  two  drachrns ; 
oil  of  thyme,  one  drachm  ;  camphor,  one  ounce ;  spirits 
of  wine,  one  pint.  The  camphor  is  to  be  in  fine  powder, 
and  the  soap  in  fine  shavings.  The  camphor,  oils  and 
soap  are  to  be  dissolved  in  the  spirits  of  wine.  Place  the 
vessel,  holding  those  articles  by  the  fire  till  the  soap  is 
dissolved.  It  should  be  kept  in  wide-mouthed  bottles,  of 
from  four  to  six  ounces  capacity. 

Obsi'jfve. — The  oils  of  rosemary  and  thyme,  entering 
into  the  mixture,  is  not  so  much  for  their  medical  vir- 
tues as  for  the  fine  smell.  In  horse  and  cattle  practice, 
these  oils  can  be  dispensed  with;  or  add  the  same  quan- 
tity of  olive  oil. 

Soap  Liniment. — Common. — This  may  be  used 
instead  of  the  opodeldoc.  Take  soap  in  shavings,  four 
ounces  ;  camphor,  in  powder,  one  ounce ;  spirits  of  wine 
one  pint ;  laudanum,  half  an  ounce  ;  and  dissolve.  This 
is  a  cheap  and  useful  liniment  for  sprains  and  bruises. 

Turpentine  Liniment. — Take  spirits,  or  oil  of  tur- 
pentine, two  ounces ;  olive  oil  two  ounces,  mixed. 

Lime  Liniment. — Take  equal  parts  of  lime  water  and 
linseed  oil,  and  shake  them  well  together  till  a  white,  thick, 
creamy,  or  saponaceous  compound  is  made.  This  is  used 
in  cases  of  burns  and  scalds,  whether  in  man  or  beast. 
Spread  some  of  the  liniment  on  a  soft  cotton  cloth,  and  lay 
^n  the  burned  part,  and  when  dry  renew  again. 

Creasote  Liniment. — Take  creasote,  one  ounce,  oil 
of  turpentine,  one  ounce;  olive  oil,  two  ounces:  mix. 
This  is  a  favorite  liniment  for  sprains,  bruises,  sores, 
and  gives  relief  from  pain  when  rubbed  upon  the  sprained 
hock -joint  and  stiff  joints  generally. 


m 


f 


OINTMENTS.  279 

Ointments. 
Blistering  Ointment. — Take  of  Spanish  fly  in  pow- 
der, one  drachm;  hog's  lard,  six  drachms:  mix.  This  is 
the  ordinary  blistering  ointment.  The  old  formula  is  one 
of  the  fly  to  four  of  lard.  The  weaker  ointment  answers 
the  best  purpose. 

Red  Iodide  Ointment. — Take  of  bin  iodide  of  mer- 
cury one  drachm,  hog's  lard,  one  ounce  mix.  This  is  the 
most  useful  ointment  the  veterinary  surgeon  can  use,  or 
possess,  for  the  cure  of  splints,  ringbones,  spavifes,  indu- 
rated or  hardened  tumors,  and  for  the  reduction  of  en- 
largements of  the  glands  of  the  neck.  Iodide  ointment 
should  only  be  used  once  in  five  days,  or  till  the  efiects  of 
the  previous  application  have  subsided  a  good  deal.  This 
precaution  is  to  prevent  a  blemish  being  made  by  the  hair 
falling  ofi"  and  not  growing  again,  which  should  always 
be  avoided. 

Green  Ointment. — Take  of  simple  cerate  or  oint- 
ment, one  ounce;  and  add  one  drachm  of  verdigris  (diace- 
tate  of  copper)  and  mix.  This  ointment  will  heal  sores 
when  other  applications  have  failed. 

Sulphur  Ointment. — Take  of  iodide  of  sulphur,  one 
drachm;  hog's  lard:  one  ounce,  mix.  Used  in  mange  and 
skin  diseases. 

Zinc  Ointment. — Take  carbonate  of  zinc,  one  drachm; 
hog's  lard,  one  ounce :  mix.  ^  A  good  healing   ointment. 

Liver  of  Sulphur  Ointment. — Take  of  liver  of  sul- 
phur, one  drachm  ;  hog's  lard,  one  ounce:  mix.  Used  in 
mange  and  other  skin  diseases.  A  more  cleanly  and 
easily  managed  form,  performing  all  its  actions,  will  be  one 
part  of  the  liver  of  sulphur  to  eight  parts  of  water. 


280 


PRESCRIPTIONS   AND   PREPARATIONS. 


French.  Hoof  Ointment. — Take  of  olive  oil,  wax, 
lard,  honey  and  white  turpentine,  equal  parts;  dissolve, 
or  digest  over  a  slow  fire.  For  black  hoofs,  a  little  ivory 
black  stirred  in  while  hot,  will  give  it  sufficient  color.  For 
blue  feet,  add  sufficient  Prussian  blue  or  indigo,  along 
with  the  ivory  black  till  a  blue  tint  is  given  to  the  ointment. 

Common  Hoof  Ointment. — The  hoof  ointment  sold 
for  such,  is  composed  of  Venice  turpentine  wax,  and  suet 
in  quantities  sufficient  to  give  consistence  or  thickness  to 
the  mass.  Oil  of  tar  and  oil  of  olives,  or  some  of  the  fish 
oils,  equal  parts,  and  sufficient  lamp  or  ivory  blacl^  stirred 
in  to  give  thickness  to  the  whole,  is  probably  the  best  oint- 
ment which  can  be  used  to  the  hoof  of  the  horse. 


Plasters. 

Plasters  are  not  often  called  for  in  horse  and  cattle 
diseases,  but  some  cases  arise  which  call  for  a  plaster 
over  the  back  or  loins,  such  as  chronic  sprains,  lumbago,  etc. 
Take  Burgundy  pitch,  four  parts,  wax  one  part,  camphor, 
half  drachm ;  Spanish  fly,  half  a  drachm ;  melt  over  a 
slow  fire,  and  spread  on  soft  leather  and  lay  over  the  loins 
while  warm.  This  plaster  will  be  sufficient  for  all  pur- 
poses where  a  plaster  is  indicated.  Plasters  should  be 
worn  six  weeks,  so  that  the  horse  will  reap  some  benefit 
from  them. 

Poultices. 

Carrot  Poultice.  —  Take  of  washed  carrots,  boil 
till  soft,  strain  off  the  water,  and  bruise  the  carrots  into  a 
fine  pulp  or  mass ;  spread  upon  strong  cloth.  Used  for 
sores  of  an  unhealthy  kind. 


TINCTURES. 


281 


Linseed  Meal  Poultice. — Take  of  boiling  water 
one  quart,  and  stir  insufficient  linseed  meal  with  a  wooden 
stick  or  spoon,  and  beat  it  well  so  as  to  have  no  lumps. 
To  be  spread  on  strong  cloth  or  canvas,  and  applied. 

Yeast  and  Charcoal  Poultice. — Take  yeast,  one 
pint ;  powdered  charcoal  sufficient  to  give  consistence  to 
rhe  whole  when  well  stirred  in.  This  is  a  valuable  poultice, 
and  is  not  sufficiently  known  where  it  ought  to  be.  Used 
in  sores  discharging  a  stinking  matter  from  them,  which 
it  soon  arrests. 

Tinctures. 

Tincture  of  Arnica.  —  Take  arnica  flowers,  four 
ounces;  alcohol,  one  quart;  macerate,  or  steep  for  one 
week,  and  strain. 

Tincture  of  Aconite  Root. — Take  of  the  dried  and 

bruised  root,  four  ounces ;  alcohol,  half  a  pint ;  macerate 
for  two  weeks,  and  strain.  A  medicine  no  farmer  can 
very  well  do  without.  Those  who  do  without  it,  do  not 
know  its  actual  value.  Twenty  drops  of  the  tincture  of 
aconite  root,  under  certain  circumstances,  is  as  valuable 
as  the  animal  which  may  stand  in  need  of  its  great  cura- 
tive virtues.  Measured  by  its  power  in  curing  disease, 
its  weight  in  gold  is  not  its  value. 

Compound  Tincture  of  Benzoin,  —  Commonly 
called  Friars'  Balsam.  Take  of  gum  benzoin,  one  and 
a  half  ounces ;  storax,  one  ounce ;  balsam  of  tolu,  half  an 
ounce ;  aloes  in  powder,  two  drachms ;  alcohol,  one  pint : 
macerate  for  one  week,  and  strain  or  filter.  Used  for 
healing  sores. 

Tincture  of  Aloes  and  Myrrh. — Take  aloes  in  pow- 
der, one  ounce ;  safi*ron,  half  an  ounce ;  tincture  of  myrrh, 


i 


I 

282  PRESCRIPTIONS    AND    PREPARATIONS. 

half  a  pint :  macerate  for  two  weeks,  and  strain.     Used 
for  healinor  sores  and  wounds. 

o 

Tincture  of  Iodine. — Take  of  iodine,  half  an  ounce ; 
iodide  of  potassium,  one  ounce;  alcohol,  one  pint:  mace- 
rate for  a  day  or  so,  and  it  is  fit  for  use.  Used  as  an  in- 
jection for  abscesses  and  empty  cavities.  It  is  also  used 
by  some  for  enlargements,  in  the  same  way  as  it  is  used 
for  erysipelas  in  man,  by  painting  the  affected  part. 

Spirits. 

Proof  Spirits. — Take  rectified  spirits  of  wine,  three 
parts  by  measure;  water,  two  parts  by  measure;  and 
mix.  This  is  the  proper  strength  for  making  tinctures. 
Keep  the  rectified  spirits  by  itself  till  wanted,  the  water 
can  be  added  when  needed. 

Spirits  of  Camphor. — Take  of  camphor,  two  and  a 
half  ounces;  rectified  spirits,  one  pint;  dissolve.  Used 
for  sprains,  bruises  and  sores. 

Waters. 

Lime  "Water, — Take  a  lump  of  lime,  or  limestone,  of 
about  a  pound  weight;  lay  it  on  a  soup  plate,  and  wet  it 
with  water,  which  will  soon  convert  the  hard  stone  into  a 
fine  powder.  Then  put  it  into  a  stone  jar  holding  a  gal- 
lon or  upwards,  and  fill  in  one  gallon  of  water,  and  cork 
it  closely.  It  is  now  ready  for  use  when  wanted.  The 
same  lime  may  be  used  repeatedly,  by  pouring  fresh 
water,  as  the  other  is  taken  out.  This  water  is  what 
the  lime  liniment  is  partly  composed  of. 

Tar  Water. — {Bishop  Berkeley  s  Receipt.) — Pour  a 
gallon  of  cold  water  on  a  quart  of  liquid  tar:  stir  ;  mix 
and  work  them  together  thoroughly,  with  a  wooden  ladle, 
or  flat  stick,  for  five  or  six  minutes.     Then,  let  the  vessel 


MEDICINES. 


283 


stand,  closely  covered,  for  three  days  and  nights.  Care- 
fully skim  the  surface,  without  moving  the  vessel ;  pour 
oiF  the  clear  solution,  and  keep  it  in  bottles  well  corked 
for  use.  This  is  a  useful  medicine  for  man  and  horse  in 
chest  diseases,  and  it  would  be  well  worthy  of  a  trial  in 
chronic  cough  in  the  horse. 


MEDICINES    TO    BE   KEPT    ON   HAND. 

The  following  medicines  should  be  kept  in  every  farm- 
house, where  there  are  horses  and  cows.  If  the  farmer 
should  not  think  it  of  sufficient  importance,  he  should  at 


VESICIXE  CHEST. 


284  USEFUL   MEDICINES. 

least  ascertain  what  is  kept  in  the  village,  or  other  coun- 
try store,  so  that  he  may  know  exactly  where  to  get  what 
he  may  at  any  moment  stand  in  need  of,  for  his  horse  or 
cow,  in  case  of  accident  or  sickness.  Medicines  should 
be  kept  in  bottles,  some  in  wide,  and  others  in  narrow- 
mouthed  ones.  A  plain  label  should  be  affixed  to  every 
bottle,  and  those  which  are  known  to  be  poisonous,  a 
dark-colored  label  should  be  used,  and  marked  Poison. 
This  will  often  prevent  mistakes  and  accident. 

Tincture  of  Aconite  Root. — One  ounce. 

Red  Iodide  of  Mercury. — One  drachm. 

Tincture  of  Nux  Vomica. — One  ounce. 

Spirits  of  Turpentine. — Two  ounces. 

Epsom  Salts. — Two  pounds. 

Simple  Cerate,  or  Ointment. — Two  ounces. 

Linseed  Oil. — One  quart. 

Aloes. — One  ounce. 

Carbonate  of  Ammonia. — One  pound. 

Gentian  Root. — Half  a  pound. 

Sulphur. — Half  a  pound. 

Olive  Oil. — Half  a  pint. 

Chalk. — Two  pounds. 

Powdered  Opium. — One  ounce. 

Ginger. — One  pound. 

Fcenugreeh. — One  pound. 

Sulphate  of  Iron. — Half  a  pound. 

Caustic  Potash. — Six  Sticks. 

Glycerine. — Half  a  pound. 

Lime  Water. 

Tannin. — One  ounce. 


MEDICINES.  285 

CatecTiu. — One  ounce. 

Sulphuric  Ether. — Two  ounces. 

Blue  Stone. — Two  ounces. 

Oxide  of  Zinc. — Four  ounces. 

Sulphuric  Acid. — One  pound. 

Spirits  of  Salt. — One  pound. 

Sulphite  of  Soda. — One  pound. 

Spanish  Fly. — Half  an  ounce. 

Creasote. — Half  an  ounce. 

Alcohol: — One  pint. 

Cotton,  or  Tow. — One  pound. 

Laudanum. — Two  ounces. 

Nitrate  of  Silver. — Two  sticks. 

Chloride  of  Lime. — A  few  pounds. 

Powdered  Charcoal. — A  few  pounds. 

Black  Oxide  of  Manganese. — Three  ounces. 

Roll  Sulphur. — Half  a  pound. 

Liver  of  Sulphur. — Three  ounces. 

[The  above  medicines  can  be  obtained  in  their  pure 
state  from  Mr.  0.  S.  Hubbell,  the  celebrated  chemist  and 
druggist,  1410  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia.] 


TABLE   OF    DOSES    ACCORDING   TO    AGE. 

If  the  dose  for  a  full  grown  animal,  of  whatever  kind, 
be  one  ounce, 

A  colt  of  one  year  will  require  one-third  of  one  ounce. 


286  USEFUL   MEDICINES. 

A  two  year  old  will  require  one-half  of  the  ounce. 

A  three  year  old  will  require  three-fourths  of  the 
ounce. 

The  same  proportion  may  be  observed  in  cattle,  from 
one  year  old  and  upwards.  But  a  calf,  a  week  or  two 
old,  will  require  another  division  of  dose,  but  still  fol- 
lowing the  same  rule. 

The  dose  for  a  one  year  old  being  one-third  of  the 
dose  for  an  adult,  or  full  grown  ox.  Then  the  dose  for 
a  calf  of  four  weeks  will  be  one-twelfth  of  that  given  to 
a  one  year  old,  and  a  two  months'  old  calf  or  colt,  will 
require  one-sixth  of  that  of  a  one  year  old  animal.  For 
a  one  week  old  animal,  the  dose  will  be  one-fourth  of 
that  of  the  animal  aged  four  weeks.  The  rule  and  the 
dose  are  merely  approximate,  but  it  is  the  best  and  only 
plan  we  can  offer,  as  a  rule  or  guide  for  a  posological 
table.  Some  persons  have  advocated  a  decrease  in  the 
dose  for  old  animals.  This  I  cannot  favor,  as  but  few 
horses  live  to  be  so  old  that  a  full  dose  of  medicine 
would  be  an  injury  to  them.  The  great  trouble  with 
aged  horses,  is  not  from  a  failure  of  the  constitution 
and  the  general  system,  but  from  defect  in  the  teeth, 
whereby,  in  winter,  old  horses  are  nearly  starved,  as 
they  cannot  masticate  their  feed.  If  their  food  could  be 
prepared,  as  is  done  for  the  old  man,  his  life  and  useful- 
ness would  be  prolonged;  then  it  would  be  time  enough 
to  speak  of  diminishing  the  dose  for  old  horses. 


MEDICINES.  287 


ARTICLES   NECESSARY   FOR   MEASUR- 
ING,  WEIGHING,   ETC. 

One  pair  of  scales  and  weights  capable  of  weigliing 
from  one  grain  to  one  ounce. 

Two  gla?s  measures,  one  measuring  from  five  drops  to 
sixty — the  other  from  one  drachm  to  six  ounces. 

One  Wedgewood  mortar,  with  pestle  to  match. 
One  tile  for  making  ointment  upon. 
Two  spatulas,  or  round-edged  knives,  for  mixing  and 
dividing  powders,  and  mixing  ointments. 

A  few  small  bottles  with  corks,  to  hold  from  one  to 
eight  ounces. 

A  few  labels  for  pasting  on  the  bottles,  with  directions 
for  the  use  of  the  medicine. 

A  few  labels  with  the  word  poison. 

A  few  sponges. 

One  ox's  horn  cut  sloping  at  the  wide  end  for  drenching 
horses  or  cattle,  with  which  is  better  than  a  bottle.  A 
bottle  made  of  block  tin,  in  the  shape  of  a  champagne 
bottle,  is  a  good  article  for  drenching  with. 

Equivalents. 

A  tablespoonful  is  equal  to  half  an  ounce  by  measure. 
A  dessert  spoonful  is  equal  to  two  fluid  drachms. 
A  teaspoonful  is  equal  to  one  fluid  drachm. 
A  wine-glassful  is  equal  to  one  and  a  half  fluid  ounce. 
The  surest  way,  however,  to  get  the  true  quantity  is 


288  USEFUL   MEDICINES. 

to  have  the  article  measured  by  proper  graduated  weights 
and  measures.  It  will  not,  however,  be  necessary  to  weigh 
each  powder  separately.  Thus,  half  a  pound  of  ginger 
can  be  easily  divided  into  ten  or  twelve  equal  parts  with 
a  knife,  without  the  trouble  of  weighing  each  powder 
separately. 


PART  III 


KtUM^  0f  iistilje. 


DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 


PART    THIRD 


This  part  of  our  work  is  devoted  to  the  explanation 
and  treatment  of  the  various  diseases  affecting  the  ox, 
together  with  an  account  of  the  diseases  incident  to 
milch  cows  and  to  young  calves. 

Cattle  diseases  are,  in  many  particulars,  similar  to 
those  of  the  horse.  Thus  inflammation,  irritation  and 
fever,  are  common  to  all  animals.  Still,  however,  there 
are  many  diseases  affecting  cattle,  in  which  we  fail  to  find 
a  counterpart  in  any  disease  attacking  horses.  Among 
such  diseases  we  may  mention  those  of  contagious  typhus, 
or  rinderpest,  epizootic  aptha,  or  the  murrain,  spleenic 
apoplexy  and  quarter  evil,  or  the  black  leg. 

The  manner  or  mode  of  treating  disease  in  the  ox  dif- 
fers no  less  so  from  those  in  the  horse,  than  one  disease 
differs  from  another.  For  it  must  be  remembered  by 
every  person  who  undertakes  to  give  medicine  to  an  ox 
or  a  cow,  that  they  have  four  stomachs — 1,  the  rumen, 
or  paunch)  2,  the  reticulum;  3,  the  manyplus',  4,  the 
abomasu7ii.  For  this  reason,  or  as  it  were  peculiarity, 
cows  or  oxen  should  under  every  condition  be  treated 
with  medicine  in  a  fluid  form  only,  so  that  it  may  pass 


292  DISEASES   OP   CATTLE. 

from  one  stomach  to  another  without  injury,  and  in  the 
shortest  possible  time.  By  giving  medicine  in  the  form 
of  a  solid^  as  is  sometimes  given  to  the  horse,  in  place  of 
the  medicine  finding  its  way  into  any  of  the  stomachs,  it 
is  more  likely  to  break  through  the  floor  of  the  cesopha- 
gean  canal,  (a  platform  at  the  bottom  of  the  gullet)  not 
only  losing  the  medicine,  but  at  the  same  time  destroying 
the  animal. 

In  cases  of  abscess,  tumors,  sores  or  ulcers,  etc.,  on 
cattle,  and  where  the  description  and  treatment  is  not 
full  enough,  or  not  given  at  all,  the  reader  is  requested 
to  turn  to  the  Diseases  of  the  Horse,  or  Part  I  of  the 
book,  where  he  will  find  ample  information  concerning 
what  he  may  want  to  be  more  particularly  posted  upon. 

Abortion. — This  is  the  coming  away  of  the  calf,  at 
so  early  a  period,  and  before  it  is  perfectly  formed  and 
matured,  that  it  cannot  live,  and  occurs  at  any  time  from 
conception,  to  within  a  few  weeks  of  the  full  time  of 
calving. 

Causes. — The  frequency  of  abortion,  the  apparently 
epizootic  form  which  it  sometimes  assumes,  together  with 
the  immense  loss  which  thereby  occurs  to  the  farmer, 
and  through  him  to  the  country  at  large,  makes  the 
cause  of  abortion  in  cows  one  of  the  most  vital  of  sub- 
jects. The  theory  of  sympathy,  which  some  authors  and 
farmers  favor  as  a  cause  of  abortion,  is  not  to  be  enter- 
tained for  a  moment  by  any  one  having  any  pretension 
whatever  to  a  knowledge  of  physiology,  and  the  patholo- 
gical anatomy  of  cattle.  I  have  known  a  whole  herd  of 
cows,  with  but  one  or  two  exceptions,  abort  their  calf,  and 
yet  not  one  of  those  cows  ever  saw  one  another.  Some 
of  those  cows  came  from  the  State  of  New  York,  and  yet 
they  were  kept  separate  by  themselves,  and  from  those 


ABORTION.  293 

already  upon  the  farm.  The  owner  had  for  this  cause, 
and  for  the  second  time,  sold  out  every  cow  on  his  farm. 
The  first  herd  of  cows,  however,  were  allowed  to  associ- 
ate with  one  another.  The  second  herd  was,  as  has 
been  already  stated,  kept  separate,  but  fed  upon  the 
same  grass  and  hay,  the  produce  of  the  same  farm.  So 
much  then  is  this  against  the  theory  of  sympathy,  not  to 
speak  of  the  utter  impossibility  for  a  cow  to  possess  a 
power  wisely  withheld  and  denied  to  the  higher  and  lower 
orders  of  the  animal  kingdom.  For  if  this  were  not  the 
case,  how  long  could  we  be  assured  of  the  perpetuation 
and  continuance  of  our  own  race,  and  of  other  species  in 
the  animal  world? 

Having  thus  denied  the  possibility  of  sympathy  as  a 
cause  of  abortion,  let  us  now  inquire  what  are  the  more 
immediite  causes,  and  after  which  yf^  will  endeavor,  as 
best  we  can,  to  elucidate  the  more  remote  causes.  The 
immediate  causes  of  abortion  are  the  separation  of  the 
appendages  and  attachments  of  the  calf  from  the  womb, 
and  the  contraction  of  the  womb  itself,  whereby  the  calf 
is  expelled  to  the  outer  world.  The  remote  causes  of 
abortion  are  few,  and  we  will  state  them  in  the  order  of 
their  importance.  First,  and  by  far  the  most  important, 
and  the  one  which  is  most  likely  to  produce  abortion  in 
an  epizootic  form,  is  weakness  and  debility  of  the  cow. 
This  debility  is  the  result  of  irritation  of  the  fibrous,  se- 
rous tissue  of  the  body,  occurring  at  seasons  of  the  year, 
which  generally  produce,  and  give  rise  to  coughs,  colds 
and  throat  diseases.  Hence,  the  epizootic  form  of  abor- 
tion, so  often  seen,  and  attributed  to  sympathetic  causes. 
This  irritation  and  debility  is  of  frequent  occurrence,  and 
is  so  insidious  in  its  character,  that  even  those  persons 
most  about  the  animals  are  not  awaiie  of  anything  being 


294  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

amiss  with  them.  This  is  not  strange,  for  we  have 
heard,  read  and  have  seen  animals  in  the  worst  forms  of 
pleuro-pneumonia,  and  nobody  thought  of,  or  had  seen 
anything  wrong,  worthy  of  observation  or  remark.  It  is 
but  the  other  day,  one  of  the  papers  of  Philadelphia  an- 
nounced that  a  certain  farmer  had  lost  fifteen  hundred 
dollars  jn  a  week  or  two,  by  the  death  of  some  cows 
which  were  not  thought  to  be  sick.  It  is  only  the  true 
medical  man  who  can  estimate  aright,  the  consequences 
of  even  slight  irritation  of  the  white  membranes  of  the 
body.  In  this  connection,  it  may  be  well  to  state,  that 
cows  in  calf  are  more  susceptible  of  debility  than  cows 
which  are  not  in  calf,  for  the  simple  reason  that  a  great 
quantity  of  blood  is  required  for  the  growth  and  main- 
tainance  of  the  calf  in  the  womb. 

This- fact  of  itself,,  however,  anomalous  it  may  appear, 
goes  very  far  indeed,  in  destroying  that  which  nature  so 
strongly  endeavors  to  make  perfect,  or  in  other  words,  na- 
ture in  this  case  defeats  her  own  ends.  Debility  from  the 
cow  being  in  calf,  and  from  the  irritation  of  the  shining 
membranes  of  the  body,  more  especially  of  the  windpipe, 
are  the  true  causes  of  epizootic  abortion  in  cows.  The 
solids  of  the  body  become  relaxed,  soft  and  flabby,  the 
placenta,  or  calf  attachments  separate  from  the  fundus  of 
the  uterus,  or  womb,  and  the  death  of  the  calf  from  star- 
vation, it  is  then  a  foreign  body,  the  womb  contracts  and 
expells  it,  and  this  is  called  abortion.  Farmers  and  others 
should  not  deceive  themselves  by  thinking  that  when  a 
cow  is  fat  she  is  not  weak  nor  out  of  order.  Cows  of  this 
description  are  most  likely  to  be  the  victims  of  irritation 
of  the  throat,  and  its  train  of  consequences.  Having  thus 
defined  what  I  believe  to  be  the  true  cause  of  epizootic 
abortion,  and  which  ^jviH,  I  think,    upon   fuller  investiga- 


ABORTION.  295 

tion  of  the  subject  be  fully  borne  out,  I  will  now  speak  of 
the  causes  of  sporadic  abortion,  or  abortion  occurring  in 
isolated  or  single  cases.  A  cow  may,  or  may  not  abort 
after  having  suffered  from  an  accident  or  injury,  which 
will  depend  whether  the  calf  or  womb  has  been  injured. 
A  kick  from  a  horse,  or  a  gore  from  another  cow  is  often 
the  cause  of  abortion.  The  eating  of  diseased  grass  seed  is 
another  cause  of  abortion,  but  not  so  much,  nor  so 
often  the  cause  as  many  persons  suppose.  For  a  cow  will 
readily  and  without  injury,  take  one  ounce  of  the  best 
and  strongest  ergot  of  rye  to  be  found  in  the  market ; 
now  where  is  the  cow  to  get  one  ounce  of  ergotized 
grass  seed  or  any  other  diseased  seed? 

There  may  be,  however,  other  cryptogamic  causes  which 
we  are  as  yet  not  acquainted  with,  and  if  we  were  aware 
of  the  existence  of  such,  we  are  still  ignorant  of  their  ac- 
tion, if  any  upon  the  uterus  of  the  cow ;  so  I  think  we 
may  as  well  dismiss  this  as  being  utterly  untenable  also. 
There  is  still,  however,  one  other  cause  to  be  considered 
before  we  close  this  subject,  and  that,  is,  a  cow  having 
once  aborted  is  ever  after  liable  to  do  so  again,  and  at 
about  the  same  period  of  the  previous  abortion.  The 
causes  of  this  are  local  and  confined  to  the  womb  itself, 
such  as  distention,  dropsy,  physometra,  tubercle,  fibrous 
tumor,  polypi  and  hypertrophy  of  the  womb  ;  one  or  other 
of  those  diseases  singly,  or  combined,  are  often  seen  in  the 
womb  of  cows  subject  to  periodical  abortion. 

Prevention  of  Epizootic  Abortion. — When  one  or 
more  cows  have  slunk,  or  aborted  their  calves,  the  other 
cows  without  a  day's  delay  should  have  the  following 
powder  mixed  in  their  feed  night  and  morning  for  a  week, 
and  commence  again  and  give  every  alternate  week  for  a 
month  or  so.     Powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  two   drachms ; 


296  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

powdered  gentian  root,  half  an  ounce ;  mix  and  make  one 
dose,  to  be  given  as  above  directed.  This  will  be  a  pow- 
erful tonic,  adding  richness  to  the  blood,  strengthing  the 
mucous  surfaces,  and  imparting  health  and  strength  to  the 
whole  system,  thereby  enabling  the  animal  to  carry  her 
young  to  its  full  time.  Good  and  generous  feeding  is 
also  a  preventative  by  itself,  but  better  in  conjunction 
with  the  above  powder.  Cows  having  aborted  from  weak- 
ness and  general  debility  of  the  system,  can  be  prevented 
from  aborting  again  by  maintaining  a  high  standard  of 
general  good  health. 

Abomasum. — The  fourth  or  true  stomach  of  the  ox 
and  of  the  sheep  also. 

Angle  Berries. — Warty  like  excresences,  and  differ 
from  the  ordinary  wart  by  having  a  stem  or  neck  to  them. 

Treatment. — Cut  them  off  with  a  knife  or  pair  of 
scissors. 

Anemia. — This  term  is  applied  to  a  week  condition 
of  cows  sometimes  called  ivant  of  blood,  and  is  more  com- 
mon than  most  persons  are  aware  of.  Cows  are  not  sel- 
fish, the  more  a  cow  gets  in  feed,  the  more  she  will  gene- 
rally give  in  the  form  of  milk  and  butter. 

Syynptoms. — White  and  clearness  of  the  lining  mem- 
branes of  the  nose,  mouth  and  eyes  are  sure  indications  of 
a  want  of  blood  in  the  system.  When  this  condition 
occurs  as  an  effect  of  disease  as  from  the  effects  of  pleuro- 
pneumonia, the  animal  will  become  hectic  and  die  in  a 
month  or  so  from  the  first  attack. 

Treatment. — Give  the  following  powders  night  and 
morning  in  cut  feed.  Powdered  gentian  root,  three 
drachms,  powdered  ginger  root,  three  drachms  ;  mix  and 
make  one  dose.  If  those  powders  improve  the  animal 
in   a   week  or    so,  give  two    drachms    of  the  sulphate 


BLACK   QUARTER.  297 

of  iron  in  addition  to  the  above.  The  iron,  however,  may 
dry  up  the  milk  considerably.  The  case  may  resolve  itself 
whether  it  would  be  better  to  have  a  dead  cow  or  a  dry 
one.  Good  and  generous  feeding  is  indicated  in  this 
disease. 

Apoplexy. — (See  Splenic  Apoplexy.) 

Aptha  or  Thrush. — This  is  an  eruption  in  the 
mouth  similar  to  small  bladders,  and  is  often  mistaken 
for  a  contagious  disease  called   Epizootic  Aptha. 

Cause,  Irritation  in  the  mouth  of  young  cattle  from 
teething. 

Treatment. — If  treatment  be  at  all  necessary,  a  weak 
mixture  of  vinegar  and  cold  water  will  answer,  or  a  solu- 
tion of  alum  or  alum  water  applied  to  the  mouth  twice 
a  day  will  be  all  that  is  wanted. 

Biliary  Calculi  or  Gallstones. — These  are  of 
several  colors. 

(1.)  White  Gallstones. 

(2.)  Yellow  Brown  Gallsones. 

(3.)  Dark  Green  Gallstones. — All  of  which  are 
hard,  grooved,  and  have  the  odor  of  musk.  During  the 
life  of  the  animal,  no  symptoms  are  observed,  whereby, 
their  presence  can  be  detected.  This  however,  is  of  little, 
or  no  consequence  as  no  treatment  is  necessary,  and 
scarcely  ever  cause  the  ox  any  inconvenience. 

Black  ftuarter. — Joint  Felon  Quarter  Evil — This  is 
the  disease  of  young  cattle,  and  occuring  in  the  spring  of 
the  year,  and  is  characterised  by  one  hind  leg  and  thigh 
being  congested,  and  black  with  coagulated  blood.  The 
other  portions  of  the  body  retain  their  normal  or  healthy 
appearance.  It  is  sudden  in  its  attack,  and  death  follow 
in  a  few  hours. 


298  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

Causes. — A  robust  stamina  or  plethoric  condition  and 
fullness  of  blood. 

Treatment. — No  time  for  cure. 

Prevention. — This  is  the  most  important  particular  to 
be  attended  to.  On  the  first  appearance  of  this  disease, 
give  each  young  animal  less  than  two  years,  and  those 
above  one  year  of  age,  a  good  brisk  purge  to  clean 
out  the  bowels.  For  this  purpose,  give  half  a  pound 
of  epsom  salts  in  two  bottles  of  water,  sweetened  with 
molasses,  and  add  a  teaspoonful  of  ginger.  Put  the  young 
stock  on  high  land,  and  where  the  grass  is  not  too  good. 

Black  Tongue. — (See  Glossanthrax.) 

Black  Water.— (See  Red  Water.) 

Bladder  Diseases. — The  ox  is  not  free  from  disease 
of  this  organ.  Bladder  diseases  in  cattle  generally,  is 
the  result  of  irritant  matters  in  the  urine,  and  from 
culculi  or  stone  in  the  bladder. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  restless,  pain  and  irritation 
constant  endeavors  to  make  urine,  but  only  a  few  drops 
at  a  time  allowed  to  pass.  The  eyes  are  blood-shot, 
and  should  the  animal  not  be  relieved,  it  will  die  from 
weakness  and  exhaustion  from  constant  excitement  and 
irritation. 

Treatment. — Give  at  once  twenty-five  drops  of  the 
tincture  of  aconite  root  to  relieve  irritation  and  pain. 
Give  freely  linseed  tea  and  other  demulcents,  to  soothe  the 
kidneys  and  bladder.  In  order  that  any  earthy  matter 
which  may  be  present  in  the  uretus,  kidneys  or  bladder 
may  be  lessened  or  destroyed  altogether,  give  sixty  drops 
of  muriatic  acid  once  or  twice  a  day.  This  however, 
should  not  be  given  whilst  there  are  pain  or  irritation 
present. 


PROLAPSUS    OF    THE    BLADDER.  299 

Prolapsus  of  the  Bladderr— <^ows,  during  and 
after  difficult  calvino;  there  will  be  sometimes  observed  a 
white,  shining,  watery  bag  protuding  between  the  lips  of 
the  vulva.  This  is  the  blad'der  holding  the  urine,  and  is 
twisted  at  its  neck,  and  therefore,  cannot  be  emptied. 
Many  a  good  cow  has  been  destroyed  by  ignorant  persons 
mistaking  this  for  some  of  the  watery  membranes  sur- 
rounding the  calf,  and  have  intentionally  torn  it  asunder. 

Treatment. — Carefully  examine  the  distended  bag,  its 
shape  and  size,  and  having  determined  that  it  is  the 
urinary  bladder  carefully  cleanse  it  if  dirty,  and  pass  the 
hand  previously  oiled  along  its  surface  and  acertain  which 
way  the  turn  or  twist  is  made,  having  satisfactorily 
known  this,  take  the  bladder  by  the  other  hand  and  re- 
verse the  turn  or  twist,  and  then  carefully  push  the  blad- 
der back  into  its  place. 

Should  the  bladder  again  return  a  tampon — a  roll  of 
soft  cotton  cloth  should  be  used  to  plug  up  the  vulva  for 
an  hour  or  two,  andif  this  should  not  be  sufficient,  a  stick 
or  suture  of  stout  saddler's  silk,  or  other  strong  material 
should  be  passed  through  each  side  of  the  vulva  with  a 
small  packing  or  darning  needle  and  letting  it  remain  for 
a  few  da  vs. 

Diseases  of  the  urinary  bladder  are  many,  and  diverse 
from  one  another,  and  having  pointed  out  the  most  common 
forms  of  disease  of  this  organ,  I  will  simply  mention  by 
name  others  not  so  often  seen,  or  at  all  events  observed. 
Distension,  causing  abdominal  pain,  eversion,  extroversion, 
inversion,  causing  painful  urination,  inflammation,  paraly- 
sis, causing  difficult,  and  in  some  cases  entire  stop'page  of 
the  urinary  flow  and  rupture  of  the  bladder,  polypi  in 
the  bladder,  causing  frequent  urination,  and  the  urine 
small  in  quantity.     Milch  cows  are  chiefly  the  subjects  of 


300  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

those  last  varieties  of  diseases   of  the  bladder,  and  is  the 
cause  of  many  mysterious  deaths  occuring  amongst  them. 

Blood  Shot. — (See  Quarter  Evil.) 

Blood  Diseases. — (See  Quarter  Evil,  Red  Water,  etc.) 

Brain  Diseases — .Phrenitis. — Or  inflammation  is  the 
same  as  mad  staggers  in  the  horse,  and  is  due  to  over- 
feeding and  distention  of  the  stomach,  by  long  wet  grass 
or  clover,  and  in  rare  instances  it  is  caused  by  the  de- 
posit of  wax-like  matter  within  the  ear,  and  communi- 
cating with  the  brain. 

Symptoms. — First,  the  animal  is  dull  during  congestion  ; 
this  is  succeeded  by  quickened  breathing,  excitement  and 
delirium,  the  eyes  are  blood  shot. 

The  animal  is  the  picture  of  disease  and  suffering,  and 
if  not  soon  relieved,  falls  and  remains  in  a  state  of 
stupor,  from  which  it  never  comes  out  of. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stages  of  this  disease,  much 
can  be  done  by  an  active  cathartic  or  purge,  composed  of 
one  pound  of  epsom  salts,  and  one  pound  of  table  salt, 
dissolved  in  four  quarts  of  cold  water,  and  sweetened 
with  molasses.  Apply  ice  or  ice  water  to  the  fore  head, 
and  warm  water  bandages  to  the  legs,  and  tightly  clothe 
the  body.  Inflammation  of  the  brain  is  often  seen  in 
the  fatal  form  of  milk  fever  in  cows. 

Brittany  Cow- — A  very  small  animal,  and  is  im- 
ported from  the  south  of  France,  and  from  Brittany 
itself,  which  is  to  the  north  west  of  France,  and  sepa- 
rates the  English  Channel  from  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  M. 
P.  Bellamy,  Veterinary  Professor  to  the  Department  of 
Agriculture,  at  Benncs,  says  La  Vache  Bretonne  Utile 
au  Miche^  Providence  du. 


BRONCHITIS.  301 

Pauvre. — Or  the  brittany  cow,  useful  to  the  sick,  and 
a  blessing  to  the  poor.  Some  few  of  those  useful  little 
cows,  have  been  imported  into  this  country,  and  i,f  all  be 
true  which  is  said  in  their  favor,  more  of  them  ought 
to  be  imported.  They  are  represented  to  be  hardy, 
healthy,  and  can  be  kept  on  such  food  as  another  cow 
would  starve  upon,  and  they  can  stand  a  greater  amount 
of  hardship,  than  any  other  variety  of  cows. 

Bronchitis- — This  is  inflammation  of  the  wind-pipe, 
and  even  extending  to  the  lungs  themselves.  There  are 
every  variety  or  severity  seen  in  this  disease,  from  the 
simple  irritation  of  the  buccal  membrane  to  the  intense 
inflammation  terminating  in  the  outpouring  of  serum 
from  the  blood  into  the  cavity  of  the  chest,  resulting  if 
the  cow  be  in  calf,  her  abortion,  and  in  others  the  death 
of  the  animal,  after  a  long  and  lingering  hectic  fever. 
Bronchitis,  throat  and  chest  diseases  in  cattle,  are  insidi- 
ons  and  deceptive,  for  the  ox  does  not,  even  under  the 
most  severe  forms  of  throat  and  chest  diseases,  exhibit 
fever  and  irritation,  loss  of  appetite,  etc.,  which  are 
shown  at  once  in  these  diseases,  when  attacking  the 
horse.  Not  until  the  disease  has  made  considerable 
progress  does  the  ox  or  the  cow  show  symptoms  of  dis- 
ease ;  so  much  is  this  the  case,  that  I  have  on  several 
occasions  pointed  out  bronchial  and  chest  disease,  in 
milch  cows,  whilst  the  owners  failed  to  see  anything 
wrong.  Indeed,  this  is  the  great  difficulty  in  the  suc- 
cessful treatment  of  diseases  in  neat  cattle — not  getting, 
or  applying  the  remedies  in  early  season  of  the  afl*ection. 
A  greater  and  more  strict  attention,  and  observation  on 
the  part  of  farmers  and  others,  is  almost  imperatively 
demanded,  and  more  especially  should  this  be  the  case 
with  dairy  people  ;  for  when  anything  is   at  once  dis- 


302  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

covered,  sucli  as  a  very  slight  grating  sound,  being 
heard  in  the  wind-pipe,  when  the  ear  is  steadily  applied. 
The  cow  should  immediately  have  some  iron,  or  tonic 
powders,  and  all  will  be  well  in  a  few  days  again ; 
whereas,  if  left  to  itself  serum  is  exuded,  and  debility, 
weakness  and  death  itself,  may  follow.  I  would  say  to 
dairy  men,  study  the  sounds  in  the  wind  pipe,  both  in  the 
sick  and  vvell  animal,  and  you  will  not  only  perfect  your 
knowledge  in  this  particular,  but  I  assure  you  it  will  be 
no  idle  study,  for  in  a  short  time  you  will  not  only  be 
able  to  detect  those  insidious  diseases,  in  the  early  sea- 
son, in  your  cows,  but  can  apply  the  remedy  also,  thereby 
saving  yourself  from  inconvenience  and  loss,  which  some 
of  you  can  ill  afford,  and  at  the  same  time  you  can  prove 
to  your  neighbors,  and  to  the  world  at  large,  that  cattle 
diseases  are  not  so  difficult  to  cure  after  all,  and  that  we 
have  so  long  sat  and  brooded  with  soured  and  sullen  minds 
over  our  losses,  and  the  ignorance  and  inefficiency  of 
cow  doctors,  without  avail. 

Cause. — Bronchitis  generally  is  a  disease  which  rarely 
attacks  one  animal  only,  but  the  most  of  the  herd  will  have 
been  attacked  before  it  leaves  the  place,  and  then  it  will 
leave  when  there  are  no  more  victoms  for  it  to  seize.  Those 
epizootic  diseases  depend  upon  what  is  called  atmospheric 
causes.  This  condition  usually  manifesting  itself  in  the 
spring  of  the  year,  and  sometimes  early  in  the  summer. 
This  peculiarity  of  the  air  causes  irritation  of  the  fauces 
of  the  mouth,  throat  or  wind-pipe,  and  as  before  stated, 
sometimes  extends  to  the  chest  and  lungs  themselves. 

Symptoms. — In  a  w^eek  or  so  after  the  attack,  a  slight 
husky  cough,  weeping  from  the  eyes,  and  a  watery  dis- 
charge from  the  inner  corner  of  the  nose  will  be  seen,  and 
by  applying  the  ear  to  the  course   of  the   wind-pipe,  a 


BRONCHITIS.  303 

slight,  rough  and  grating  sound  will  be  heard.  This 
sound,  however,  can  be  heard  from  twelve  hours  after  the 
attack.  According  to  the  amount  of  serum  poured  out, 
and  whether  the  cow  be  in  calf,  and  how  far  she  is  gone 
in  calf,  so  will  the  quickness  and  depth  of  the  breathing 
be.  Bronchitis  is  the  forerunner  of  pleuro-pneumonia, 
commonly  called  the  "Massachusetts  Cattle  Disease." 
The  spotted  and  solid  appearance  of  the  lungs  of  animals 
having  died  of  this  catttle  disease,  is  due  to  the  lungs  being 
so  long  immersed  in  the  serum  or  fluid,  which  is  poured 
into  the  chest.  Pathological  anatomists  are  well  aware, 
that  if  the  substance  of  the  lungs  had  been  the  orig^inal 
seat  of  the  disease,  the  animal  so  aff*ected  would  either 
have  died,  or  have  recovered  in  about  forty-eight  hours ; 
whereas  none  scarcely  die  within  the  first  week  from  the 
attack,  and  many  live  a  lingering  life  of  six  weeks  and 
two  months.  This  fact  cannot  be  reconciled  with  the 
current  theory  of  the  lungs  being  diseased  by  direct  at- 
tack. No !  They  are  solidified  from  their  functions 
being  impaired  by  being  immersed  and  surrounded  by 
fluid  poured  out  from  the  fibrous  serous  tissue,  or 
from  the  effects  of  inflammation  of  the  linings  of  the 
windpipe,  and  perhaps  the  linings  of  the  chest,  singly  or 
conjointly  with  that  of  the  windpipe  also.  This  I  am  sat- 
isfied is  susceptible  of  no  other  theory,  or  explanation 
whatever;  and  the  sooner  that  farmers  and  others  think 
so  too,  it  will  be  the  better  for  them. 

Treatment. — If  the  disease  be  discovered  within  forty- 
eight  hours  from  the  attack,  give  four  to  five  doses  of  the 
tincture  of  aconite  root,  twenty-five  drops  to  a  dose, 
and  give  one  dose  every  four  hours.  If  there  be  no  cer- 
tainty that  the  disease  has  existed  longer  or  shorter, 
and  to  save  time,  the  aconite   may  be  given  along   with 


'M){  DISKASES    OF    (WTTl.K. 

tlio  folloniu^  ju>\V(lors  thvco  tinu^s  in  tlioilay.  l\nv(loro(l 
sulpliato  of  ir(>n,  tliroo  (Irnrluu^i;  poudorod  ^ontinn  root, 
half  an  oiinco;  ]>o>V(loro«i  ^iii^or  root,  lialf  nu  oum'o; 
powdorod  siilphito  of  soda,  half  an  oiinco :  mix  and  make 
a  driMioh  to  he  \^o\\vc^{  down  tho  njonth  out  oi^  a  vstron*:; 
bottlo.  'ri\is  n^odirino  is  to  ho  oontinutMl  (oniittinii;  tlio 
aconito  aft  or  tho  (iftli  doso")  till  tho  animal  is  >voll,  tn- looks 
nioro  bri<:jht  and  oats  all  it  jj^ots;  anil  if  it  l>o  a  miloh  oow, 
tho  usual  quantity  of  milk  will  ho  iijivon.  in  addition  to 
tho  aht>vo  modioinos,  i^ivo  onoo  or  twioo  daily,  half  an 
ounoo  o(  oi>nmuMHMal  sulphurio  acid,  larp:oly  dilutod  or 
mixod  in  half  a  hui'kot  oi'  oold  water.  In  feeding  tho 
animal,  earo  should  ho  taken  not  to  give  too  luueh,  so  as 
to  bring  on  dangerous  indigestion.  (\>ld  water  and  pure 
air  are  indispensable  agents  in  the  treatment  o(  this  and 
all  tliseases  o(  horses  and  cattle. 

Bull  Burnt. — This  is  a  disease  similar  to  gonorrhtx^a 
in  man.  (Mall  the  ilomestie  animals,  the  ox  tribe  are  the 
only  ones  whieh  are  subjeet  io  this  disease,  more  eoui- 
n\on  in  hot  than   in  eold  weather, 

S}/))ff>to)ns. — In  urinating  there  is  uneasiness,  and  the 
urine  is  pavssed  in  small  quantities!,  slight  mueous  ilis- 
eharges  fron\  the  organ  of  generation.  In  the  bull,  there 
are  at  times  no  tlesire  for  eopulation,  even  when  it  is  tle- 
sirable  that  there  slunild  be.  This  often  leads  to  the  dis- 
covery o(  the  cause. 

'iWiitnhnt. — Separate  the  bull  fr^uu  the  cows,  ami  give 
the  atVectiHi  ones,  including  the  bull,  a  purgative  of  Kpst^u 
and  common  salts,  one  pound  each.  mix«.Hl  or  dijisolved  in 
fvuir  (|uarts  o(  cold  water  sweeteniHl  with  uu>lasses,  and 
add  a  little  ginger,  say  a  C[uarter  o(  an  ounce.  Ue 
assurt\l  that  bv^th  bull  and  cons  are  thorouiihlv  cured  before 


CACHEXIA.  305 

the   bull    is    admitted   among  the    cows,  for   a   second 
attack  on  the  bull  will  render  him  useless. 

Cachexia, — This,  properly  speaking,  may  be  denomi- 
nated a  bad  habit  of  the  body,  from  faulty  digestion, 
and  assimulation  of  the  food  taken  into  the  stomach. 

Symptoms. — Morbid  or  diseased  appetite,  the  animal 
at  every  chance  will  lick  the  earth,  stones,  lime  walls,  and 
other  substances,  which  cows  in  health  would  not  touch. 
This  disease,  like  many  others,  occasionally  takes  an 
epizootic  form,  and  attacks  animals  over  a  large  tract  of 
of  country.  More  particularly,  the  animal's  coat  stares, 
followed  by  a  mucous  discharge  from  the  eyes  and  mouth ; 
milk  almost  disappears,  and  what  there  is  of  it  is  very 
blue  and  thin.  At  this  stage  of  the  disease,  the  animal 
is  thin;  the  membranes  of  the  mouth,  nose  and  eyes  are 
white  and  pale,  showing  the  bloodless  state  to  which  the 
beast  is  reduced.  There  is  now  stiffness  of  the  joints 
consequent  upon  infiltration  of  serum  into  the  burs^e  of 
the  joint,  causing  much  swelling.  In.  certain  parts  of 
England  it  is  called  the  "cripple."  The  animal  is  now 
reduced  to  a  skeleton,  and  dies  within  a  few  months  to  a 
year  from  the  first  appearance  of  the  disease. 

Treatment. — The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  have  the 
animals  removed  to  high  and  dry  pasture  lands,  which 
may  be  the  means  of  cutting  short  the  disease,  before 
much  injury  has  been  done  to  them.  Give  to  each 
animal  plenty  of  salt,  and  the  preparation  of  soda  and 
lime,  with  good  food  of  a  nutricious  quality.  A  few  doses 
of  commercial  sulphuric  acid  highly  diluted,  say  half  an 
ounce  by  weight,  given  once  a  day  in  half  a  bucket  of 
cold  water,  and  if  necessary,  a  few  doses  of  iron  and 
gentian,  will  cut  short  the  disease. 

20 


306  DISEASES   OF    CATTLE. 

Calving, — This  is  an  operation  of  nature,  which  most 
dairymen  and  farmers  are  familiar  with,  and  upon  which 
we  will  say  but  little.  Before  we  do  so,  however,  a  short 
descriptiqn  of  the  symptoms,  by  which  it  is  known 
when  a  cow  is  in  calf,  will  be  given. 

Symptoms. — The  first  and  most  important  symptoms 
of  a  cow  being  with  calf,  is  the  absence  of  oestromania 
or  bulling.  This,  however,  is  not  altogether  relied  upon 
in  some  cows,  for  there  are  cases  in  which  a  pregnant 
cow  will  receive  the  bull  up  to  the  time  of  calving.  The 
next,  and  probably  the  more  sure  sign  of  a  cow  being 
with  calf,  is  the  increased  size  of  the  belly.  The  hand 
placed  firmly  against  the  flank  or  portion,  where  there 
are  no  ribs ;  a  hard,  firm  body  will  be  felt,  which  is  the 
calf.  As  time  passes  along,  the  movements  of  the  calf 
in  the  womb  can  occasionally  be  seen.  Within  a  few 
weeks  of  calving,  the  external  organs  of  generation — 
labia  pudendi — increase  in  size,  and  discharge  a  thick 
mucus.  The  udder  becomes  swollen,  hot,  and  full  of  the 
first  milk — colostrum^  which  is  sure  indication  that  the 
time  for  calving  is  near  at  hand.  This  is  accompanied 
by  a  relaxation  of  the  ligaments  of  the  pelvis,  or  as  the 
dairymen  say,  she  is  down  in  her  bones. 

Symptoms  of  Immediate  Delivery. — Great  restlessness 
and  uneasiness,  lying  down  and  rising  up,  increasing  in 
severity,  until  she  has  been  delivered  of  a  calf.  From 
the  time  of  conception,  till  natural  parturition  or  calving 
is  about  forty  weeks,  or  two  hundred  and  eighty  days. 

There  are,  however,  opinions  at  variance  with  these 
dates,  founded  upon  the  sex  of  the  calf.  If  a  male,  it  is 
carried  longer  than  if  of  the  opposite  sex.  These  opin- 
ions form  ground  for  debate,  therefore  we  will  drop 
theorizing. 


CALVING.  307 

Natural  Calving.— -This  resembles  the  fruit  when 
ripe,  breaking  from  its  attachment  to  the  parent  tree, 
and  falling  into  the  lap  of  mother  earth.  If  the  pelvic 
bones  are  well  or  proportionably  formed  in  the  cow, 
and  the  presentation  and  size  of  the  calf  be  right,  no 
trouble  need  be  apprehended,  and  the  cow  may  be  left  to 
herself.  The  natural  presentation  at  full  time,  and  of  a 
full  grown  calf,  is  as  follows  :  The  amnion,  or  waterbag 
having  been  ruptured  or  broken,  there  will  be  seen  the 
fore  legs  and  head  of  the  calf  resting  upon  the  two  feet, 
and  protruding  a  little.  If,  however,  the  cow  should 
labor  long  with  the  calf  in  this  position,  and  she  is 
weak  and  thin  in' flesh,  she  may  be  assisted:  this  can  be 
done  by  taking  hold  of  the  two  feet  and  part  of  the 
head,  and  when  the  cow  makes  an  effort  to  strain,  pull  at 
the  calf.  If  sufficient  force  cannot  be  applied  by  the 
hands,  then  place  a  soft  but  stout  rope  round  the  feet 
of  the  calf,  and  apply  traction  or  force.  Be- 
fore any  force  whatever  is  used^  be  sure  that  the 
mouth  of  the  womb  is  sufficiently  dilated;  for  if  this  be 
not  the  case,  then  by  using  force  the  womb  is  torn  or 
ruptured,  and  the  death  of  the  cow  is  the  result.  Be 
patient,  and  time,  the  prover  of  all  things,  will  also  prove 
the  wisdom  of  waiting.  If  after  delay,  however,  both 
cow  and  calf  should  be  lost,  be  consoled  by  the  fact,  that 
it  is  likely  the  one  or  both  would  have  been  lost  any  way ; 
for  there  will  be  found  some  one  or  other  of  those  mal- 
formations, either  in  the  pelvis  or  arch  of  the  pubis  of 
the  cow,  or  an  undue  proportion  of  the  size  of  the  calf 
to  the  pelvic  arch  through  which  it  is  has  to  pass,  to  be 
delivered.  In  all  cases  where  the  calf  presents  itself  in 
the  form  above  described,  and  delivery  of  the  calf  is  not 
efi"ected,  rest  assured  that  the  pelvic  arch  of  the  mother 


308  DISEASES    OF   CATTLE. 

is  too  small  or  too  narrow.  If  that  be  not  the  case,  the 
calf  is  over  size,  from  water  in  the  head,  (Hydrocepha- 
lus^) or  water  in  the  belly,  [Dropsy,)  or  both  of  these 
conditions  combined,  which  is  seen  by  veterinary  sur- 
geons, in  large  country  practice. 

Before  a  calf  of  this  description  can  be  delivered,  and 
the  cow  relieved,  the  head  of  the  calf  must  first  be 
pierced,  to  lessen  its  size,  then  a  long  spear-like  in- 
strument— trocar,  is  used  to  pierce  the  belly  or  abdomen  of 
the  calf,  to  empty  the  fluid,  to  lessen  also  its  great  size. 
When  that  is  properly  done,  and  the  cow  is  not  too 
greatly  exhausted,  she  may  complete  the  delivery  without 
further  assistance. 

Twin  Calves. — Twin  presentations  are  as  various  as 
they  are  curious.  Thus,  we  sometimes  see  a  fore  leg 
of  one  calf,  and  the  hind  leg  of  the  other.  In  this  con- 
dition of  things  it  must  be  evident  that  no  force  should 
be  used  to  bring  them  away  till  each  calf  is  properly  ad- 
justed in  its  position.  The  best  and  quickest  way  is 
to  adjust  the  calf  which  first  presents  itself,  and  if  por- 
tions of  the  other  be  presented  also,  push  them  back  into 
the  womb.  One  calf  safely  delivered,  not  much  difii- 
culty  will  be  experienced  with  the  other. 

Unnatural  Presentation. — We  have  now  arrived  at 
that  portion  of  our  subject,  which  more  plainly  talking 
means,  when  the  calf  is  being  forced  into  the  neck 
of  the  uterus  or  womb  in  any  form,  whatever  except 
the  natural  position  already  described.  The  unnatural 
position  of  calves,  about  to  be  delivered  is  happily 
rare,  and  forms  the  exception  to  the  natural  law  of  pre- 
sentation. However  rare  these  presentations  are,  they 
nevertheless  are  sometimes  seen.     Thus  the  feet  are  pre- 


CALVING.  *J5,  309 

sented,  and  the  head  of  the  calf  doubled  on  its  neck,  and 
in  the  womb.  This  condition  is  best  remedied  by  tieing 
a  rope  round  the  fore  feet,  or  both  together,  and  raising 
the  hind  parts  of  the  cow  off  the  ground;  thus  forcing  the 
calf  down  to  the  fundus  or  bottom  of  the  womb.  This 
being  done ;  reach  the  hand  in  and  seize  the  calf  by  the 
head,  and  bring  it  with  you,  while  an  assistant  is  pulling 
upon  the  rope  attached  to  the  fore  lef^s. 

By  adopting  this  plan  a  safe  and  speedy  delivery  will  be 
effected.      English   veterinary  surgeons,  with  Professor 
Simmonds  at  their  head,  say  this    is  the  most  dangerous 
form  of  presentation,  involving  the  life  of  both  cow  and  calf. 
Why  do  they  say  so,  and  how  does  it  prove  so  to  them  ? 
because    they  vainly   endeavor    by  force    to  bring   the 
head  of  the  calf  into  the  neck  of  the  womb,  when  there 
was  no  room  do  so,  without  first  elevating  the  hind  portion 
of   the  cow  sufficiently  for  the  calf  to  fall  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  womb  where  there  is  plenty  of  room  to  turn, 
not   only   the   head,  but  the   whole    of  the   body   also. 
Another  form    of   malformation  is,  where  we  have  the 
head  and  neck  within  the  neck  of  the   uterus  or  womb, 
without  the  fore  feet  and  legs.     The   only    alternative  in 
this  case  will  be  to  remove  the  head  by  cutting  it  off 
from  the  neck ;    leaving,  however,  sufficient  skin  for  at- 
taching a  rope  to  it.     But   if  the  head  has  not  fairly 
passed  out,  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  put  it  back  into 
the  womb  again,  and  not  bring  it  out.     Before  pushing  it 
back,  fix  a  rope  round  the  lower  jaw.     The  legs  one  by 
one  should  be  searched  for  by  the  hand,  and  when  found 
secured  by  another  rope.     After  both  fore  legs  and  head 
are  thus  fairly  within  your  grasp,  then  use  traction  or 
gentle  force,  and  at  every  strain  made  by  the  cow  take 
advantage  of  it,  and  by  these  means  the  calf  will  be  safely 


310  DISEASES     OF   CATTLE. 

delivered.  The  next  unnatural  form  consists  in  the  pre- 
sentation of  one  or  other  of  the  fore  legs,  where  the  nose  is 
pressed  downwards,  and  the  crown  of  the  head  only  is  seen 
or  felt.  Secure  the  leg  which  is  seen  by  a  cord,  push  on 
the  crown  of  the  head  or  elevate  the  hind  parts  of  the  cow 
a  little,  to  force  the  calf  slightly  down  in  the  womb  ;  then 
pass  a  cord  round  the  lower  jaw,  and  the  other  fore  leg 
must  also  be  found,  and  secured  by  a  rope.  The  rope  at- 
tached to  the  jaw  should  be  first  pulled  to  straighten 
the  head  on  the  neck,  then  the  cord  attached  to  the  legs 
should  be  pulled  simultaneously,  and  the  head  and  feet 
as  they  are  presented  should  be  guided  by  the  hands  of  an 
assistant  until  the  head  and  both  fore  legs  have  fairly  en- 
tered the  proper  channel. 

The  next  presentation  is  what  is  called  a  breech  pre- 
sentation— the  tail  and  buttocks  are  here  presented  for 
delivery,  which,  of  course,  cannot  be  eflfected  in  such  po- 
sition. The  only  chance  of  a  safe  delivery  is  to  get  hold 
of  the  hind  legs,  which  is  not  easily  effected;  but  per- 
severance, assisted  by  ingenuity,  can  do  much,  when 
it  is  well  known  what  is  required.  In  this  case,  it 
is  to  get  hold  of  both  hind  legs.  When  the  hind 
feet  and  legs  have  been  secured,  and  brought  into  the 
proper  channel,  delivery  can  be  easily  effected. 

The  next  and  last  presentation  which  we  notice,  is 
where  the  crown  of  the  head  is  presented,  and  the  calf 
lying  upon  its  back.  This  is  a  tedious  labour,  and  to 
effect  a  delivery  at  all,  the  calf  must  be  turned, 
which  by  the  by  is  not  an  easy  task;  still,  however,  it 
can  be  done  by  securing  the  head  and  fore  legs  with  a 
rope.  Should  all  efforts  fail,  do  not  exhaust  the  strength 
of  the  cow,  but  hasten  to  detach  the  legs  of  the  calf, 
opening  its  belly,  and  in  somg  cases,  the  head  also,  to 


CALVING.  311 

lessen  the  size  of  the  calf,  thereby  securing  the  delivery 
of  a  mutilated  calf,  but  a  living  cow.  The  subject  is  far 
from  being  at  this  point  exhausted,  but  we  have  gone 
sufficiently  far  for  our  pages:  we  will  now  proceed  to  an- 
other subject  connected  with  calving,  and  that  is  the  re- 
tention of  the  after-birth,  or  retentw  seeundinarium^  as  it 
is  called,  or,  as  the  dairy  folks  say,  the  cow  has  not  yet 
cleansed. 

Retention  of  the  Placenta,  or  After-birth. — If 
the  cow  has  gone  her  full  time  with  calf,  and  is  in  a 
healthy  condition,  the  after-birth  will  not  be  retained 
long  after  she  has  given  birth  to  her  calf.  When  a  cow 
does  not  cleanse  properly,  and  within  a  reasonable  time 
there  is  then  something  otherwise  wrong  with  her  health, 
such  as  debility  and  want  of  vitality  in  the  system:  it  is 
this  that  must  be  looked  to,  and  not  the  want  of  timely 
cleansinor  that  demands  attention,  as  beinoj  the  cause 
of  the  cow  not  doing  well  after  calving.  Remedy  these 
existing  causes,  and  the  cow  will  cleanse  properly  enough. 
Contrary  to  the  generally  received  opinion  of  farmers 
and  others,  the  retention  of  the  after-birth  for  a  day  or 
two  will  do  no  harm,  provided  that  decomposition  does 
not  take  place  with  the  after-birth ;  for  in  such  cases,  the 
whole  system  of  the  cow  is  apt  to  be  contaminated  and 
poisoned. 

Treatment. — Cows  not  having  cleansed  properly  within 
twenty-four  hours  after  calving,  should  take  the  following 
mixture  given: — Epsom  salts,  one  pound;  powdered  gin- 
ger, one  ounce ;  powdered  foenugreek,  one  ounce ;  carra- 
way  seeds,  half  an  ounce;  mix,  and  give  in  three  or  four 
bottles  of  warm  ale,  porter  or  warm  water,  sweetened  with 
molasses.  This  mixture  not  having  the  desired  effect 
in  twelve  hours,  the  hand,  well  greased,  should  be  intro- 


312  DISEASES    OF   CATTLE. 

duced,  and  gently  p7^ess  the  after-birth  at  the  attachments, 
called  cotyledons:  this  must  not  be  accompanied  with 
much  pulling,  pressure  with  the  finger  and  thumb  will 
be  all  that  is  wanted.  This  operation  may  be  followed 
by  giving  the  cow  a  little  warm  ale  or  molasses  water, 
with  half  an  ounce  of  powdered  ergot  of  rye,  and  in  half 
an  hour,  half  an  ounce  more  may  be  given.  This  will 
cause  contraction  of  the  womb,  and  expulsion  of  the  pla- 
centa. When  decomposition  or  putrefaction  of  the  after- 
birth has  taken  place,  which  is  known  by  the  black  color, 
the  womb  should  be  well  washed  out  with  a  weak 
solution  of  chloride  of  lime,  and  administer  by  the  mouth 
one  ounce,  three  times  in  the  day,  sulphite  of  soda  for  a 
week,  to  prevent,  if  possible,  and  neutralize  any  of  the 
poison  of  putrefaction,  that  may  have  been  absorbed  into 
the  blood.  Give  the  cow  good  and  nutritious  feed  to 
support  her  strength. 

Symptoms  of  Blood  Poisoning. — The  absorption  of  pu- 
trid matter  into  the  blood  is  immediately  followed  by 
fever,  of  a  low  type,  called  typhoid,  and  if  not  speedily 
checked  will  be  succeeded  by  typhus,  from  which  the 
animal  cannot  recover. 

Treatment — Give  the  sulphite  of  soda  in  the  manner 
spoken  of  above,  combined  with  two  drachms  of  the  sul- 
phate of  iron,  and  one  ounce  each  of  powdered  ginger 
and  foenugreek  three  times  in  the  day,  till  the  beast  is 
bright,  lively,  and  free  from  stupidity. 

Inversion  of  the  bladder  will  be  found  treated  of  under 
Bladder  Diseases. 

Disease. — Inversion  of,  or  falling  down  of  the  calf 
bed,  will  be  treated  of  under  its  proper  or  alphabetical 
head, — Falling  of  the  Womb. 


CATTLE   PLAGUE.  313 

Catarrh. — This  is  not  a  disease  common  to  the  ox,  for 
when  causes  arise  sufficient  to  produce  catarrh  or  cold  in 
the  cow,  it  does  not  run  its  course  as  such,  but  is  speedily 
accompanied,  or  at  least  followed,  by  severe  complica- 
tions. Cattle  not  exceeding  two  years  old  are  subject  to 
a  disease  somewhat  similar  to  cold,  and  is  called  hoose. — 
(See  Bronchitis  and  Hoose.) 

Catarrhus  Linuum  Frontalium. — Malignant  Ca- 
tarrh.— This  is  one  of  the  recorded  diseases  of  the  ox 
which  I  think  has  really  no  existence,  except  in  the 
brain  of  some  men,  or  it  may  be  a  condition  confound- 
ed with  Typhus  Contagiosus  Bourn.  The  disease 
is  described  as  being  similar  to  glanders  in  the  horse. 
If  this  be  the  case,  the  disease  is  not  properly  named ; 
for  the  frontal  sinuses  are  not  the  seat  of  the  disease.  This 
multiplication  of  names  of  diseases  is  only  adapted  to 
puzzle  people,  and  annoy  the  farmer.  If  this  be  not  the 
true  reason,  then  I  unhesitatingly  denounce  those  writers 
as  being  utterly  ignorant  of  the  first  principles  of  pathol- 
ogy, upon  which  all  writings  and  opinions  should  be  sub- 
servient. 

Cattle  Plague. — This  is  a  vague  name,  and  conveys 
no  intimation  of  the  cause,  nature,  seat,  or  characteristics 
of  the  affection,  whatever  it  may  be.  Therefore,  for  the 
credit  of  the  writer  and  for  the  convenience  of  the  public, 
no  disease  should  be  called  a  plague.  There  is  now  no 
disease  affecting  the  human  family  called  a  plague.  The 
experienced  physician  can  now  tell  the  nature,  seat  and 
complete  history  of  the  disease,  and  gives  it  a  name  by 
which  it  will  ever  henceforth  be  known  and  recognised. 
Why  should  not  the  veterinary  surgeon  do  likewise? 

So  long  as  such  men  as  Gamgee    continue   to  write 


314  DISEASES    OF   CATTLE. 

and  speak  of  cattle  plagues,  so  long  will  veterinary  sur- 
geons continue  to  labor  in  vain  for  the  public  confidence. 
Why  should  not  things,  states  and  conditions  be  called 
by  their  right  names  ?  Cattle  disease,  cattle  plague  and 
rinderpest  should  long  ago  have  been  blotted  out  of  the 
books ;  for  at  best,  they  only  serve  as  a  cloak  or  cover 
to  hide  the  innate  ignorance  and  stupidity  of  some  veteri- 
nary surgeons,  horse  and  cow  doctors  particularly. 
The  word  plague  means  a  stroke,  and  that  is  all  the  insight 
a  person  can  derive  from  the  word.  As  every  disease 
may  be  considered  a  stroke,  why  not  add  what  kind 
of  stroke  it  is,  whether  it  be  a  stroke  of  palsy,  or  of  the 
sun? — For  Cattle  Plague. — (See  Typhus  Contagiosus, 
Bourn  and  Pleuro-pneumonia.) 

Chicken  Pox. —  Varicella  Bourn. — A  pustular  erup- 
tion on  the  teats  of  cow's  presumed  to  be  caused  by  eating 
vine  leaves.  The  eruptions  soon  discharge,  dry  up  and 
heal,  without  any  treatment  whatever  having  been  applied 
to  them. 

Choking. — This  is  of  frequent  occurrence  among 
cattle  or  cows  fed  upon  potatoes,  turnips,  etc. 

Treatment. — When  the  potato  is  lodged  in  the  upper  or 
middle  third  of  the  gullet,  the  mouth  of  the  animal  is  to 
be  held  open  by  means  of  a  balling  iron,  or  some  other 
contrivance,  while  a  person  having  a  small  hand  should 
pass  a  cord  like  a  clothes  line,  with  a  loop  on  the  end  of 
it,  and  try  to  get  the  noose  over  and  beyond  the  obstruc- 
tion. If  the  substance  be  low  down  in  the  gullet,  manipu- 
lations may  be  tried  from  outside,  by  tightening  the  skin 
upon  the  obstruction,  and  trying  to  move  it  up,  if  possible; 
but  downwards,  if  it  will  go  without  too  great  a  force  being 
used.     If  this  fail  to  remove  it  either  up  or  down,  try 


CONSUMPTION.  315 

to  dislodge  it  by  pouring  small  quantities  of  oil  or  melted 
lard,  not  hot,  down  the  throat,  and  having  failed  in  all, 
the  probang  should  be  used,  or  in  its  stead,  a  strong  flex- 
ible cane  or  rattan,  maybe  tried;  but  care  should  be  taken 
to  have  the  cane  go  down  the  right  passage.  If  coughing 
is  set  up  on  the  introduction  of  the  cane,  have  it  with- 
drawn as  it  has  entered  the  air  passages,  but  try  till  it 
has  been  properly  entered  down  to  the  obstruction.  With 
patience  and  perseverance  the  difficulty  will  usually  be 
overcome.  Still,  however,  there  are  cases  which  require 
the  gullet  to  be  opened  over  the  place  of  obstruction,  a 
safe  operation  requiring  only  a  simple  cut  through  the 
skin  and  outer  surface  of  the  gullet,  which  will  readily 
heal  without  much  trouble,  by  bringing  the  lips  of  the 
wound  together,  a  stitch  or  two  with  strong,  but  small 
twine  or  saddler's  silk,  by  means  of  a  small  packing 
needle.  Feed  the  cow  or  ox,  for  a  week  or  more,  upon  soft 
or  prepared  food  till  the  wound  has  healed.  Cows  or  oxen 
remaining  long  in  a  choked  condition,  the  throat  is  apt  to 
swell  from  the  accumulation  of  gas  in  the  first  stomach, 
which  will  have  to  be  treated  as  for  hoven  or  tympanitis, 
occurring  from  eating  clover  or  rank  and  wet  grass. — 
(See  Hoven.) 

'  Colic. — Colic  in  cattle  is   rarely  seen  as  it  is  in  the 
horse,  but  occurs  in  the  form  of  hoven. — (Which  see.) 

Consumption. — This  disease  is  not  so  common  in 
domestic  animals  as  in  the  human  family,  nor  is  it  as 
frequent  in  any  of  the  animals  as  it  is  in  the  milch  cow. 
Consumption  in  cows  is  usually  exhibited  in  the  tuber- 
cular form.  These  tubercles  are  from  the  size  of  the 
pin  head  to  that  of  a  hickory  nut,  flattened,  oval  and 
round,  and  are  not  confined  to  the  lungs,  but  they  are 


316  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

seen  underneath  the  pleura  costalis  lining  the  ribs, — 
over  the  diaphragm,  peritoneum,  and  the  omentum  or 
caul. 

Causes. — This  is  considered  one  of  the  hereditary  dis- 
eases of  cattle,  or  rather  milch  cows.  As  is  elsewhere 
stated, — in  the  first  part  of  this  book, — hereditary  dis- 
ease does  not  necessarily  imply  that  a  consumptive  cow 
should  be  so,  because  its  mother  was  consumptive.  No. 
But  because  it  has  inherited  the  great  milking  qua- 
lities of  its  ancestors,  whereby  the  animal  is  reduced  in 
flesh,  condition  and  vitality,  the  fibrous,  serous  tissue  of 
the  body  becomes  deteriorated,  and  hence  the  foundation 
is  laid  for  tubercular  consumption.  Cows  of  some  breeds 
are  not  selfish,  for  the  more  they  are  fed,  the  more  milk 
will  they  give.  These  are  all  the  claims  which  can  justly 
be  made  in  favor  of  the  hereditary  cause  of  consumption 
in  cows. 

Symptoms. — Thin  of  flesh,  unthrifty,  and  staring  coat 
or  hair,  long  and  dead-looking,  a  low  husky  cough,  loss 
of  appetite,  weakness,  and  a  bloodless  condition  of  the 
whole  system,  which  is  readily  known  by  the  pale,  white 
look  of  the  lining  of  the  eyes,  nose,  and  mouth.  The 
consumptive  cow  stands  with  her  back  arched,  and  her 
forelegs  turned  out  at  the  elbows,  and  when  lying  rests 
on  the  belly  and  breast  bone.  The  milk  of  such  cows  is 
thin,  blue,  and  watery. 

Previously  to  the  death  of  a  consumptive  cow,  diarrhoea, 
dysentary,  discharges  from  the  nose  and  eyes,  accompa- 
nied with  hectic,  or  sympathetic  fever,  conclude  the 
symptoms  of  this  lingering,  but  fatal  disease. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stage  of  consumption  in 
cows,  much  can  be  done  in  the  way  of  treatment.  Feed 
the  animal  well  with  rich  and  nutritious  material,  such  as 


CROUP.  317 

linseed,  cake  meal,  etc.  Sulphuric  acid  given  several  times 
a  week,  in  doses  of  half  an  ounce  by  weight,  largely  diluted 
with  water,  will  sustain  the  vital  powers,  and  impart  te- 
nacity to  the  buccal  membrane  throughout  the  body. 
Occasional  doses  of  sulphate  of  iron  and  gentian ;  three 
drachms  of  iron  and  half  an  ounce  of  the  gentian,  will 
make  one  dose.  Such  treatment  will  prolong  the  life, 
and  at  the  same  time  improve  the  condition  and  milking 
qualities  of  the  cow. 

Contagious  Typhus.  —  (See  Typhus  Contagiosus 
Bourn.) 

Coryza. — (See  Catarrhus,  Linuum  and  Hoose.) 

Cow  Pock, — It  will  be  unnecessary  for  me  to  enter 
into  the  discussion  of  a  subject,  which  is  so  familiar  to 
the  ears  of  so  many,  and  which  is  of  so  much  benefit  to 
the  human  family  as  cow-pox. 

Cow-pox  is  a  specific  pustular  eruption  on  the  skin  of 
the  teats  and  udder  of  the  milch  cow.  It  is  not  a  dan- 
gerous disease,  although  at  the  same  time,  it  is  a  con- 
tagious one,  and  easily  communicated  to  man  or  milk 
maid.  This  discovery,  together  with  the  immunity 
which  is  insured  from  the  natural  or  small-pox,  has  im- 
parted the  stamp  of  immortality  upon  the  name  of 
Jenner. 

Croup. — Stridulous  croup  in  animals  is  rare,  but  it  is 
seen  occasionally  in  milch  cows,  and  is  very  fatal,  from 
the  fact  that  it  is  situated  in  the  larynx,  which  speedily 
causes  sufibcation,  unless  the  windpipe  be  opened  with  a 
knife,  to  admit  of  the  act  of  respiration  and  expiration, 
till  the  swelling  of  the  head  of  the  windpipe  has  passed 
off. 

Cause, — Cold  attacking  the  head  of  the  windpipe,  fol- 


318  DISEASES   OF    CATTLE. 

lowed  by  inflammation,  and   the  development  of  false 
membranes. 

Symptoms. — Loud,  stridulous  noise  or  murmur,  quick- 
ened breathing,  excitation,  fever,  and  threatening  suffo- 
cation of  the  animal,  cough  and  distress. 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  the  open  air,  if  in 
summer  time,  in  the  shade,  and  give  aconite  in  the  form 
of  tincture,  twenty-five  drops  to  a  dose.  This  will  allay 
the  excitement,  fever  and  irritation.  If  this  give  relief, 
repeat  the  dose  in  a  few  hours  again.  But  on  the  con- 
trary, there  being  relief  in  half  an  hour,  give  no  more 
aconite,  nor  indeed  any  thing  else.  There  will  be  but 
one  of  three  things  to  be  done :  either  to  kill  the  beast,  if 
it  be  in  good  condition,  and  fit  for  market ;  wait  for  the 
animal  to  die,  or  have  the  boldness  to  cut  out  a  hole  in 
the  windpipe,  about  the  middle,  and  on  front  of  the  neck. 
Tighten  the  skin  on  the  front  of  the  windpipe,  and  make 
a  clean  cut  fair  down  the  centre,  and  through  the  skin ; 
when  the  white  shining  windpipe  is  brought  to  view, 
have  an  assistant  to  hold  the  edges  of  the  skin  back  out 
of  the  way,  till  a  hole  is  cut  out  of  the  cartilages  of  the 
tube,  as  large  as  a  fifty  cent  piece.  This  will  give  in- 
stantaneous relief.  The  hole  will  gradually  fill  up,  and 
close  again  without  any  trouble  whatever.  This,  I  am 
satisfied,  is  the  only  sure  way  of  cure  in  this  disease. 

Cud,  Loss  of. — This  occurrence  is  the  symptom  of, 
and  not  a  disease.  Loss  of  the  cud,  or  rumination,  ac- 
companies almost  every  disease  of  any  importance  attack- 
ing the  ox  or  cow.  When  rumination  has  ceased  for  a 
time,  and  is  resumed  again,  it  is  a  good  symptom  that 
the  animal  is  somewhat  better,  and  an  indication  that 
the  functions  of  the  body  are  about  being  resumed  again, 
and  are  demanding  food  for  their  nourishment.     Loss 


DIARRHCEA.  319 

of  cud  is  among  the  first  symptoms  observed  by  farmers 
in  case  of  bronchitis,  pleuro-pneumonia,  hoven,  aphtha, 
etc. 

Diarrhoea  Simple. — This  variety  does  not  call  for 
much  description,  as  it  is  only  an  eiiort  of  nature  to  get 
rid  of  something  that  is  injurious.  By  its  removal  the 
purging  will  stop.  Simple  diarrhoea  rarely  calls  for 
treatment,  but  if  it  should,  change  of  feed  and  pasture 
land  will  be  the  first  things  to  be  attended  to,  and  if  ne- 
cessary after  a  trial  of  new  feed  and  pasture,  a  few  powders 
composed  of  prepared  chalk,  two  ounces ;  ginger,  half  an 
ounce;  opium,  one  drachm:  mix  and  give  in  the  form  of  a 
drench,  with  wheat  flour  gruel.  Repeat  the  dose,  if  it  be 
necessary,  but  never  be  in  a  hurry  to  give  astringents  in 
looseness  of  the  bowels,  as  much  mischief  may  be  done  by 
controverting  the  efi'orts  of  nature,  which  are  always  of 
salutary  efi'ect,  if  not  too  violent  for  the  condition  of  the 
beast,  and  in  that  case  interference  is  now  necessary. 

(1.)  DiARRH(EA  Chronic. — This  condition  is  some- 
times called  the  Rot,  from  the  belief  that  the  animal  is 
rotten.  Chronic,  or  indeed,  any  kind  of  diarrhoea  should 
not  be  looked  upon  as  a  disease  at  all,  but  merely  a  symp- 
tom of  internal  irritation  of  some  kind. 

Causes. — This  is  an  important  inquiry  in  cattle  patho- 
logy, for  farmers  are  sometimes  disappointed  when  they 
are  told  the  animal  will  die  within  a  given  time,  not 
knowing  the  nature  of  the  disease  of  which  diarrhoea  and 
dysentery  are  but  the  symptoms.  Chronic  diarrhoea  is  the 
sequel  to  tuberclulous  consumption  aliieady  described  under 
that  head.  Or  dysentery  may  show  itself  before  even 
consumption  is  either  thought  of  or  recognized.  However, 
chronic  diarrhoea  or  dysentery  is  the  result  of  tubercles 


320  DISEASES   OP   CATTLE. 

situated  on,  and  in  the  white  membranes  throughout  the 
body. 

Treatment. — Generous  diet,  composed  of  linseed  or  cake 
meal,  commercial  sulphuric  acid,  gentian,  sulphate  of 
iron,  are  the  medicines  indicated.  In  addition  to  this 
treatment,  which  has  already  been  recommended  for  con- 
sumption, I  would  advise  weekly  inhalations  of  sulphurous 
acid  gas  in  the  manner  recommended  under  that  head  in 
the  list  of  medicines  in  the  second  part  of  the  book  (which 
see,)  for  I  think  this  is  one  of  those  diseases  which  will  be 
greatly  benefited  by  its  proper  use. 

(2.)  Diarrhoea  in  Calves. — This  is  a  frequent  affec- 
tion among  young  calves,  and  destroys  thousands  of  them 
every  year. 

Cause. — Depending  upon  the  character  of  the  milk; 
not  so  much  in  regard  to  its  quality  as  it  is  owing  to  the 
time  and  manner  of  giving  it :  thus,  calves  are  not  allowed 
to  suck  their  own  mothers; — frequently  they  are  not 
allowed  to  suck  at  al],  but  have  to  drink  the  milk  out  of 
a  bucket,  and  then  it  is  often  cold  before  the  calves  are 
allowed  to  have  it.  The  rapidity  with  which  they 
drink  their  allowance,  which  is  often  too  much  for  them, 
gorging  the  stomach  and  paralyzing  the  digestive  func- 
tions, and  hence,  the  white  diarrhoea  so  often  seen  among 
young  calves. 

Symptoms. —  The  symptoms  one  would  think  alike 
in  all  animals;  but  this  is  not  the  case  here,  or  so  far  as 
the  diarrhoea  of  calves  is  concerned :  voracious  appetite, 
swelling  of  the  belly  with  occasional  pain,  discharges  of 
wind  or  gas,  and  white  or  yellowish  colored  excrement  or 
dung,  and  in  some  bad  cases  the  true  milk  is  passed  un- 
changed by  the  action  of  either  stomach  or  bowels. 

Prevention. — This  is  better  than  cure,  and  consists  in 


EPIZOOTIC    APHTHA.  321 

allowing  the  calf  until  several  weeks  old  to  suck  its  own 
mother,  not  only  morning  and  night,  but  at  least  three 
times  in  the  day,  and  divide  the  periods  as  evenly  as  pos- 
sible. Thus  by  allowing  calves  to  suck  the  milk  for  them- 
selves paralyzation  and  gorging  the  stomach  with  cold 
milk  is  avoided,  and  thereby  white  diarrhoea  is  prevented. 
Treatment. — Give  three  drachms  of  carbonate  of  soda 
in  well  boiled  wheat  flour  gruel  once  a  day;  and  if  this 
is  not  convenient,  give  a  tablespoonful  of  common  rennet 
after  each  feed  of  milk  the  calf  takes;  this  will  materially 
aid  proper  digestion  by  its  power  in  decomposing  the 
milk  and  fitting  it  for  assimilation. 

Distention  of  the  Rumen. — (See  Hoven.) 
Dropping  After  Calving. — (See  Milk  Fever.) 

Dysentery. — (See  Consumption  and  Chronic  Diar- 
rhoea.) 

Ectopia  Cordis- — This  is  a  deformity  sometimes  met 
with  in  calves  at  birth.  The  heart  may  be  seen  outside 
of  the  chest,  or  the  lower  portion  of  the  neck,  or  even 
through  an  opening  below  the  chest,  and  sometimes  even 
in  the  abdomen.     The  animal  vfill  have  to  be  killed. 

Epizootic  Aphtha, — Murrain. — In  some  parts  of  the 
world,  this  disease  is  called  murrain.  This  is  one  of  the 
epizootic  diseases  of  cattle,  attacking  the  feet  and  mouth, 
and  sometimes  extending  to  the  teats  of  the  udder. 

Causes. — Contagion  is  believed  to  be  the  cause,  but  I 
never  can  be  reconciled  to  believe  in  this  repeated  bug- 
bear, contagion  as  being  the  only  cause  of  certain  dis- 
eases. We  all  know,  however,  that  when  a  disease  is 
once  established  it  can  then  effect  others,  but  still  we 
must  consider  that  all  diseases  of  whatever  kind,  must 

21 


322  DISEASES   OF    CATTLE. 

have  had  an  origin  without  any  contagious  element  to 
produce  it.  This,  I  firmly  helieve  to  be  one  of  those 
diseases,  depending  not  so  much  upon  contagion,  as  upon 
what  Sydenham  would  call  the  peculiar  constitution  of 
the  year,  exercising  certain  deleterious  influences  on  the 
system,  and  soon  followed  by  disease  of  some  portion, 
or  other  of  the  body. 

Symptoms. — Sore  mouth,  sore  teats  and  sore  feet,  eleva- 
ted vesicles  within  the  mouth,  on  the  teats,  contain  pus 
soon  discharging  and  drying  up  by  a  scab  forming. 
Fever  and  other  constitutional  symptoms  now  subside. 
When  the  feet  are  sorely  affected,  the  sores  burrow  deep 
in  between  the  hoof,  and  the  sensitive  structure  of  the 
foot,  resulting  in  a  complete  separation  of  the  hoof, 
and  finally  it  is  thrown  off  entirely. 

It  is  painful  to  look,  as  I  have  done  on  several  occa- 
sions upon  a  whole  row  of  cows  suffering  from  suppura- 
tion, and  falling  off  of  the  hoofs.  The  loss  to  the  dairy 
men,  consists  in  the  loss  of  milk,  and  loss  of  condition  in 
the  cows;  for  if  the  cows  are  properly  attended  to,  not  any 
of  them  need  die.  The  hoof  will  grow  again,  and  be 
as  useful  as  ever,  from  the  fact,  cows  like  pigs  are  not 
kept  for  racing  purposes,  so  a  second  hoof  although  not 
so  strong  as  the  first  one,  will  answer  for  the  purpose 
of  walking  on  soft  ground,  and  gathering  their  food. 

Treatment. — Apply  to  the  sores  the  following  lotion  : 
sulphate  of  zinc,  two  drachms ;  water,  one  pint. 

Prevention. — When  once  fairly  established  in  a  place, 
it  is  almost  a  certainty  that  all  cows  and  neat  cattle  will 
take  it,  some  developing  it  sooner  than  others;  and  to 
save  time  and  expense,  take  the  bull  by  the  horns,  and 
inoculate  every  one  of  them.  Thus  by  producing  the  dis- 
ease in  this  way,  a  week  or  so  will  see  the  last  of  it,  and 


FALLING    OF   THE   WOMB.  323 

by  good  care  not  mucli  time  or  loss  will  have  been  in- 
curred, by  so  anticipating  the  disease.  The  milk  of 
cows  affected  with  this  disease  is  poison. 

Calves — By  drinking  the  milk  of  cows  with  this  dis- 
ease, perish  in  great  numbers. 

Symptoms. — Difficulty  in  swallowing,  cough  and  saliva 
driveling  from  the  mouth.  The  whole  accompanied  by 
fever,  and  frequently  ending  in  death. 

Eye  Diseases. — The  cow  is  not  so  often  the  subject 
of  disease  of  the  eye,  as  horses  are.  There  is  how- 
ever, one  disease  of  the  eye  which  cows  are  often  affected 
with,  namely  :  cancer  of  the  eye,  which  can  not  be  cured,, 
but  will  ultimately  destroy  the  eye  altogether.  For 
other  diseases  of  the  eye,  see  Eye  Diseases  in  part  first 
of  the  book. 

Falling  Sickness. — (See  Milk  Fever.) 

Falling  of  the  Womb, — Or  Calf  Bed— Reed,  etc. 
This  deviation  from  the  normal  or  healthy  condition,  is  a 
great  trouble  to  the  fanner  and  breeder. 

Caus^. — ^Relaxation  of  the  horns  or  ligaments  of  the 
womb  from  a  weak  and  relaxed  habit  of  the  body,  accom- 
panied by  debility. 

Prevention. — ^Immediately  after  calving,  apply  a  truss 
or  pad  to  the  mouth  of  the  vagina,  and  secure  it  in  the 
following  manner  :  put  a  large  horse  collar  on  the  cow's 
neck ;  one  surcingle  round  the  body  of  the  cow,  behind 
the  fore  legs,  and  another  in  front  of  the  udder  and  hind 
legs.  This  being  done,  attach  a  small  soft  rope  to  each 
side  of  the  colar,  and  brincr  them  alongr  each  side  of  the 
back  bone,  and  give  them  a  hitch  round  the  fore  surcin- 
gle, and  the  same  on  the  hind  one ;  then  bring  the  ropes 
close  together  under  the  tail,  and  place  the  pad  over  the 


824 


DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


proper  part,  and  tlie  ropes  laid  firmly  over  it,  and  tie 
both  ropes  together  with  a  string,  just  below  the  pad, 
then  bring  one  rope  down  between  the  udder  and  thigh, 
and  give  it  a  hitch  round  the  hind  surcingle  or  band, 
and  finally  secure  the  end  of  the  ropes  to  that  portion 
coming  along  the  back. 

Treatment. — When  the  womb  has  fallen  dovf  n  and  is  in- 
verted, assistance  should  be  had  at  once.  The  womb  or 
bag  should  be  lifted  into  a  clean  cloth,  and  held  up  by  a 
person  on  each  side.  There  are  two  ways  of  returning 
the  womb  into  its  place,  the  one  by  pressure  on  the 
neck  or  small  portion  of  the  womb,  and  the  other  is  by 
pressure  to  the  fundus  or  large  end,  or  bottom  of  the 
womb.  This  last  is  the  best  way,  because  we  have  not 
only  the  mere  pulling  of  the  womb  to  contend  with,  but 
it  is  inverted  also.  So  therefore,  apply  gentle  pressure 
to  the  bottom  of  the  womb,  first  having  cleaned  it  from 
dirt,  dung  and  straw.  The  operation  will  be  made  more 
easy  by  having  the  cow  placed  with  her  fore  legs  low, 
and  the  hinds  ones  high,  so  that  it  will  slip  in  without 
much  difiiculty.  After  it  is  in,  the  cow  should  be  kept 
standing  in  such  position,  or  even  lying  in  this  position, 
a  day  or  so,  and  the  pad  already  spoken  of,  should  be 
applied  as  soon  as  the  operation  is  finished.  The  pad  is 
a  much  better  way  of  securing  the  parts  than  by  sewing 
the  lips  of  the  vagina. 

Where  all  efi'orts  fail  to  put  back  the  bed,  and  Avhen  de- 
composition or  mortification  has  ensued,  the  only  chance 
to  save  the  life  of  the  cow  is  for  to  cut  the  womb  or  bed, 
at  its  smallest  or  neck  portions;  but  before  doing  so,  tie 
firmly  round  the  neck  of  the  womb  a  well  waxed  cord, 
which  will  prevent  bleeding.  This  is  to  remain  on  the 
bed  which  is  left.     Give  immediately,  twenty-five  drops 


GANGRENE    OF   THE   TAIL. 


325 


of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root  every  three  hours,  till 
four  or  five  doses  are  given.  Tnis  will  relieve  pain, 
and  control  the  circulation. 

Fardel  Bound. — This  is  a  disease  affecting  the 
omasum,  or  third  stomach  of  the  cow  or  ox.  (See  Impac- 
tion of  the  Stomach  and  Hoven.) 

Fever. — Cows  are  subject  to  ejphemral  fever,  or  more 
plainly  speaking,  a  fever  of  a  days  duration,  and  passes 
of  without  any  trouble.  This  fever  has  been  thought  by 
some  persons,  to  depend  upon  hollow  horn  and  wolf  in 
the  tail,  and  consequently  have  cut  the  tail,  and  bored 
the  horns  of  the  poor  dumb  brute. 

Foul  Claw. — Foul  in  the  Foot — This  is  a  sore  in 
between  the  digital  spaces,  and  is  caused  by  the  animal 
standing  in  mud  and  moisture,  which  scalds  the  parts, 
and  produces  lameness. 

Treatment. — Cleanse  out  the  space  with  a  hair  rope  or 
by  some  other  means,  and  apply  sulphate  of  zinc,  one 
drachm ;  water,  half  a  pint.  Keep  the  feet  dry  and 
clean,  which  will  not  only  assist  the  cure,  but  is  a  pre- 
ventive also. 

Gangrene  of  the  Tail,  or  Gangrena  Caudce  Epizoo- 
tica. — This  is  not,  as  yet  at  all  events,  an  American  dis- 
ease, but  is  of  frequent  occurrence  among  the  cows  of 
continental  Europe.  This  fact,  however,  I  believe  to  be' 
the  only  true  reason  why  we  m  Pennsylvania  will  persist 
that  cows  have  wolves  in  the  tail,  accompanied  with  an 
empty  horn. 

Cause. — Unknown. 

Symptoms. — We  are  told  by  Hering  and  Rychner  that 
that  the  tail  becomes  paralyzed,  its  skin  soft,  swollen, 
and  filled  with  water  at  its  end,  and  when  opened,  a  bad 


326  DISEASES    OF   CATTLE. 

smelling  ichor  is  discharged.  The  disease  spreads  up- 
wards, where  finally  separation  of  the  tail  takes  place, 
thus  leaving  the  animal  without  one. 

Garget  Mammitis. — Inflammation  of  the  udder  in 

cows  is  often  of  a  verv  troublesome  character.     It  occurs 

•/ 

shortly  after  calving,  and  in  some  instances  not  for  a 
week  or  two  after.  The  inflammation  is  usually  confined 
to  one  quarter  of  the  udder  only,  and  may  be  of  an  acute, 
or  chronic  character. 

Cause. — Want  of  proper  attention  in  not  milking  the 
cow  sufficiently  after,  and  in  many  cases  by  not  milking 
the  cow  when  her  udder  is  almost  ready  to  burst,  even 
before  calving.  In  a  word,  if  the  udder,  teats  and  milk 
ducts,  are  kept  from  over-gorgement,  there  can  be  no  ud- 
der disease.  The  trouble  is,  that  all  cows  are  not  alike 
in  the  production  of  milk,  but  unfortunately  they  receive 
the  same  treatment;  and  hence,  those  cows  which  are 
endowed  with  great  milking  qualities,  are  usually  the 
victims  of  garget. 

Symptoms, — Heat,  redness  and  pain,  followed  in  a 
day  or  so  by  elevated  swellings,  which,  if  acute,  will 
grow  to  a  point,  soft  and  fluctuating,  and  containing 
pus;  and  if  not  opened  at  this  time,  fistulous  sores  will 
be  formed,  which  may  cause  final  destruction  of  one  por- 
tion of  the  udder. 

When  the  heat  and  redness  is  not  followed  by  swelling 
containing  pus,  this  then  is  called  chronic  garget.  In 
addition  to  those  symptoms,  the  cow  will  have  shivers 
and  chills,  not  from  cold,  but  from  the  muscular  rigor 
which  is  set  up  in  cases  of  extensive  suppuration. 

Treatment. — In  the  acute  form,  apply  warm  poultices 
to  hasten  suppuration  or  heeling;  where  the  parts  point, 
and   contain  fluid   or   pus,  open    deeply  at  the   lowest 


GLOSSITIS.  327 

point,  that  the  pus  may  escape  without  forcing.  When 
properly  discharged,  heal  as  for  a  common  sore.  See 
Ointments  in  Part  II.  of  the  book.)  For  chronic  garget, 
cold  application,  so  as  to  put  it  back,  if  possible;  if  not, 
hasten  the  suppurative  process,  and  treat  as  for  the 
acute  form.  Whatever  treatment  may  be  adopted,  by 
all  means  do  not  forget  to  milk  the  udder  severely,  and  a 
plan  will  be  to  put  two  strong  calves  to  suck,  for  by  so 
doing  the  pus  may  be  drawn  off  by  them. 

Gastro-Enteritis  in  Calves.— (See  Diarrhoea  in 
Calves.) 

Glossitis— Anthrax— Blain.— This  is  a  disease  af- 
fecting the  tongue,  and  can  only  be  taken  for  epizootic 
aphtha  already  described.  Although  apparently  situated 
in  the  tongue,  it  is  a  constitutional  disease — a  blood  pas- 
sion in  fact.  This  is  also  an  epizootic  disease,  and  as 
usual,  it  is  thought  to  be  contagious,  or  as  much  as  to 
say,  we  know  nothing  of  its  cause,  or  mode  of  warfare. 
Few  veterinary  surgeons,  or  horse  doctors,  have,  it 
would  seem,  ever  known  of  zumins,  ferments  or  leavens, 
as  the  Scriptures  have  it,  for  not  in  any  work  on  veteri- 
nary science  or  animal  husbandry  are  any  of  these  words 
mentioned,  nor  a  hint  thrown  out  that  such  agents  do 
exist,  and  have  a  deleterious  effect  upon  the  health  of 
animals.  I  am  satisfied  that  upon  further  inquiry  and 
investigation,  ferments  will  be  found  the  only  cause  of 
such  diseases,  as  are  at  present  involved  in  darkness  and 
obscurity. 

Symptoms. — Loss  of  appetite,  saliva  flowing  from  the 
mouth,  the  tongue  red,  swollen,  and  inflamed,  thus  ar- 
ersting  mastication,  or  chewing:  the  muzzle  or  lips,  head 
and  neck  swell,  breathing  disturbed.  Appearances  of 
suffocation  set  in,  the   saliva,  is   offensive  to   smell,  and 


328  DISEASES    OF   CATTLE. 

tinged  with  blood;  the  basis  of  the  discharge  is  of  a 
greenish  color,  not  unlike  vomicse  seen  in  the  lungs  of 
glandered  horses  and  consumptive  men.  In  this  condi- 
tion, the  animal  will  live  from  two  to  four  days. 

Treatment. — Lance  the  turgid  tongue  to  relieve  con- 
gestion, and  wash  the  mouth  with  vinegar,  and  adminis- 
ter a  slight  purgative.  One  pound  of  epsom  salts  in 
two  bottles  of  water,  sweetened  with  molasses;  a  little 
powdered  ginger  may  be  added.  Allow  the  animal 
plenty  of  cold  water  to  drink,  to  cool  the  mouth  and 
tongue,  and  allow  pure  air  for  the  beast  to  breathe. 
Follow  with  two  drachms,  of  the  sulphate  of  iron,  and 
an  ounce  each  of  ginger,  fenugreek  and  sulphite  of  soda 
twice  in  the  day,  which  will  give  strength  to  the  body, 
and  purity  to  the  blood. 

Hsematuria. — Blood  in  the  Urine. — This  occur- 
rence is  not  to  be  confounded  with  red  water.  Coao-u- 
lated,  or  congealed  blood  comes  when  the  first  flow  of 
water  is  discharged,  and  the  remainder  of  the  urine  is 
clear. 

Cause. — ^Blows  or  other  injuries  over  the  region  of  the 
kidneys,  or  from  eating  the  leaves  or  tops  of  plants 
having  a  powerful  diuretic  effect,  such  as  some  of  the 
yews,  cedars  and  savins.  Cows  in  calf,  and  mares  with 
foal,  will  eat  what  other  animals,  or  what  they  would  not 
do  themselves  when  in  other  condition.    (See  Red  Water.) 

Treatment.  —  Give  linseed  tea  to  drink,  and  slush 
mashes,  and  plenty  of  fluids  to  drink.  No  medicine  will 
be  required. 

Hair  Balls. — These  are  very  common  in  cattle,  and 
are  introduced  by  the  animal  licking  itself,  and  swallow- 
ing the  hair.  These  balls  are  found  after  death,  and  are 
of  various  sizes,  and  thoroughly  felted. 


HOOSE    IN    CALVES. 


Herpes. — (See  Mange.) 

Hide  BDUnd. — This  is  not  to  be  taken  as  a  disease, 
but  merely  the  result  of  faulty  digestion  and  assimilation. 

Treatment.— ^Gcive  one  pound  of  epsom  salts,  half  an 
ounce  of  ginger,  and  mix  in  two  bottles  of  cold  water, 
and  sweetened  with  molasses.  Next  day  follow  with  the 
following  powders : — Powdered  ginger,  one  ounce ;  fenu- 
greek, one  ounce;  carraway  seeds,  half  an  ounce:  mix, 
and  give  in  one  dose,  and  one  dose  may  be  given  daily 
for  a  week. 

Hoose  in  Calves. — This  is  a  common  disease  in 
breeding  districts,  and  is  very  fatal  in  its  results,  and  at- 
tacking young  calves  and  cattle,  till  two  years  old.  It 
is  a  parasitic  disease. 

Cause. — The  presence  of  minute  worms  in  the  bron- 
chial tubes.  These  worms  are  caWed  filaria  bronchi,  and 
inhabit  the  windpipe  of  young  cattle,  sheep  and  lambs. 

Prevention. — Keep  calves,  sheep  and  lambs  on  dry 
land,  where  there  is  no  marsh,  wet  land  or  meadow. 

Symptoms.  —  Constant,  husky  cough,  difificulty  in 
breathing,  emaciation,  and  loss  of  appetite.  Thus  the 
disease  goes  on  from  bad  to  worse,  until  death  takes 
place  in  from  two  to  three  weeks,  depending  much,  how- 
ever, upon  the  age  of  the  beast. 

Treatment. — Linseed  oil,  two  ounces;  oil  or  spirits  of 
turpentine,  half  an  ounce,  well  mixed  with  the  linseed 
oil.  This  dose  is  for  a  calf  of  six  months  old.  The  dose 
is  to  be  repeated  every  two  days.  Give  the  calves  good 
feed,  such  as  oil  cake,  etc.  Another  form,  and  it  is  a 
good  one,  and  is  generally  used  in  sheep  to  save  expense 
and  trouble,  is  getting  hold  of  them,  and  driving  them 
into  a  pretty  close  house  or  shed,  not  larger  than  will 
hold  all  the  affected  ones.     Then  procure  an   earthern 


330  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

bowl  or  basin,  containing  one  ounce  eacb  of  common  salt 
and  oxide  of  manganese,  and  pour  over  this  a  mixture, 
say,  water,  half  an  ounce;  sulphuric  acid,  one  ounce  and 
a  half;  stir  with  a  stick,  and  chlorine  gas  will  be  evolved. 
When  sufficiently  stirred,  leave  the  place,  and  close  the 
door.  Repeat  the  inhalations  for  two  or  three  times, 
and  let  two  days  pass  before  each  subsequent  inhalation. 
If  the  animal  be  much  weakened  by  the  parasites,  mix 
carraway  and  fenugreek  in  their  feed,  of  each  a  quarter 
of  an  ounce,  once  a  day  for  a  week  or  so. 

Hoven. — Tympanitis  or  Brum-helli/. — So  called  from 
the  appearance  and  sound.  This  disease  is  the  evolution, 
or  giving  off  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  from  the  large  quantity 
of  grass  or  clover  when  wet,  contained  within  the  rumen 
or  paunch,  together  with  the  suspension  of  the  function 
of  digestion,  and  peristaltic  action  of  the  bowels,  all  of 
which  combined,  go  to  make  up  the  disease  called  hoven. 
Hoven  may  occur  in  one  hour,  for  we  often  see 
cows  turned  out  to  pasture  in  the  morning,  and  are  al- 
most found  suffocated  in  an  hour  afterward.  There  is 
obviously  no  time  to  be  here  lost.  Every  farmer  should 
always  be  prepared  to  meet  and  cure  such  cases  as  they 
occur,  as  there  is  no  time  to  run  for  assistance. 

Cause. — Over  filling  the  paunch,  and  in  too  quick  a 
time,  before  the  stomach  has  time  to  act  upon  it;  and 
hence  fermentation  is  set  up. 

Symptoms. — Great  distress;  the  sides  are  distended, 
and  when  struck,  sound  like  a  drum,  the  beast  lying  and 
rising ;  the  breathing  is  hurried ;  there  is  great  suffering, 
and  if  not  speedily  relieved,  the  rumen  will  give  way, 
burst  or  rupture;  if  this  does  not  happen  shortly,  the 
brain  becomes  affected,  and  the  beast  dies  unconscious. 
The  disease  runs  its  course  with  fearful  rapidity. 


HYDATIDS   IN    THE   BRAIN.  331 

Treatment— Kt   once   plunge    a   dinner   knife,    well 
sharpened,  into  the  side,  or  at  equal  distance  from  the 
haunch  bone  and  short  rib,  on  the  left  side  of  the  animal. 
Veterinary  surgeons  use  a  trocar  for  this  purpose,  and 
every  farmer  should  have  one  also.     If  the  case  be  not  a 
severe  one,  it  may  be  trusted  to  time,  nature  and  medi- 
cine.    Give  half  a  pound  of  table  mustard,  and  an  ounce 
of  the  chloride  of  lime,  mixed  in  as  little  cold  water  as 
will  float  the  mustard  out  of  the  bottle,  and  down  the 
throat  of  the  animal.     Or  instead  of  the  mustard  and 
lime,  give  one  ounce  of  recently  powdered  carbonate  of 
ammonia  in  cold  water.     Dashing  cold  water  over   the 
loins  of  the  beast  often   cure  the  affection,  by  inducing 
reflex  action  of  the  nervous  centres  of  the  body.     Some- 
times we  see  a  chronic  form  of  this  complaint,  occurring 
at  intervals,  owing  to  a  debilitated  condition  of  the  walls 
of  the  rumen,  and  is   cured   by   the  following   powder, 
given  morning  and  night  in  the  feed :— Powdered  ginger, 
half  an  ounce;  gentian,  half  an  ounce;  foenugreek,  half 
an  ounce:  mix,  and  give  in  one  dose,  and  continue  them 
for  a  few  days. 

Hydatids  in  the  Brain.— This  is  a  parasitic  dis- 
ease,— a  worm  found  floating  in  a  serous  fluid,  sur- 
rounded by  a  sack  or  small  bladder,  and  situated  gen- 
erally on  one  side  of  the  brain,  and  under  or  near  the 
base  of  the  horn. 

Cause. — This  affection  is  caused  by  the  animal  eating 
with  the  feed  or  grass,  some  of  the  ova  or  eggs  which 
have  been  dropped  from  dogs,  affected  with  tape  worms. 

SymiJtoms.—'Ih.Q  affected  beast  will  be  observed  in  the 
early  season  of  the  disease,  to  be  affected  in  one  of  the 
eyes,  ending  shortly  in  total  blindness  of  that  organ. 
This,    however,    is   not    always    the    case.     The    great 


332  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

symptom  chiefly  to  be  relied  upon,  is  the  constant  turn- 
inor  of  the  animal  in  the  form  of  a  circle.  This,  the 
animal  will  always  persist  in  doing,  and  stop  only  when 
brought  in  contact  with  a  stone  wall  or  fence,  which  pre- 
vent further  circular  turning.  Unfortunately,  the  poor 
animal  comes  in  contact  with  the  wall  with  such  force, 
and  so  often  repeated,  that  on  that  side  of  the  head  will 
be  seen  swellino-s  and  enlarg-ements  of  the  bones  of  the 
jaw.  In  this  way  does  the  affected  beast  turn  the  circuit 
from  day  to  day  until  emaciated  from  weakness  and 
hunger.  The  end  of  some'  cases  is  more  shoi't  than  this 
for  not  unfrequently  they  fall  into  holes,  rivers,  etc. 
The  inability  to  stop  turning  prevents  the  animal  from 
gathering  food,  and  hence  the  case  terminates  in  starva- 
tion. 

Treatment. — The  success  attending  the  treatment  of 
such  cases  is  very  great.  The  cure  consists  in  finding 
out  the  exact  spot  on  the  head  over  the  hydatid,  and 
bore  through  the  bone  with  an  instrument  made  for  that 
purpose.  And  as  soon  as  the  bone  is  bored  through  a 
small  pair  of  forceps  or  tongs  is  put  through  the  hole, 
and  into  the  sack,  and  by  this  means  together  with  a 
syringe  with  a  long  nozle  to  pump  out  what  fluids  there 
are  in  the  cavity,  complete  the  cure.  The  hole  of 
course  will  have  to  be  closed  by  a  pad  or  cloth,  to  ex- 
clude the  air  till  the  hole  have  closed  by  a  new  bone. 

Inflammation. — Inflammation  is  the  same  in  all 
animals,  but  happily  it  is  not  common  to  the  ox  tribe. 
Indeed  inflammation  in  all  animals  is  not  so  common  as 
it  is  used  or,  is  represented  to  us  to  be.  Irritation  is 
more  often  observed  among  animals  and  men,  than  in- 
flammation, and  disease  with  decreased  force  or  power  is 
more  frequent   than   either   diseases  now  a   days  or,    it 


IMPACTION    OF    THE    OMASUM.  333 

may  be  that  we  are  better  educated;  thereby  can  more 
readily  discern  the  true  conditions  of  diseases,  than  those 
of  former  times  or,  it  may  be  from  both  causes  com- 
bined, that  we  are  able  to  state  that  we  see  such  a 
change  in  diseases.  However,  the  majority  of.  diseases, 
now  met  with,  are  of  a  low  type,  and  require  for  treat- 
ment 7iot  bleeding,  but  medicines  and  good  feeding, 
to  support  the  powers  of  nature. 

Impaction  of  the  Omasum.'— (Or  third  Stomach.) 

In  some  parts  of  the  world  this  disease  is  called  "wood 
evil."  So  called  because  the  stomach  is  filled  with  leaves, 
dried  bramble  and  sticks  or  twigs,  from  bushes.  These 
articles  being  deficient  in  nutritive  matter,  cause  the 
suspension  of  rumination  (chewing  the  cud,)  and  diges- 
tion. 

Causes. — As  already  hinted,  it  is  caused  by,  and  in 
addition  to  the  above,  dried  grass,  which  has  been  left 
standing  in  the  field,  or  in  fact  any  kind  of  food,  which 
does  not  contain  essential  principles  for  fat  and  blood 
making,  in  proportion  to  its  bulk,  is  sure  to  bring  on  an 
attack  of  wood  evil  or  impaction  of  the  third  stomach. 

Symptoms. — Loss  of  cud,  loss  of  appetite,  quickened 
breathing  and  accompanied  with  a  grunt.  Diarrhoea  is 
followed  by  constipation,  great  thirst,  the  legs,  horns 
and  ears  are  cold,  grinding  of  the  teeth,  and  when  the 
disease  has  about  run  its  course,  moaning  takes  the  place 
of  the  grunt,  and  diarrhoea  now  succeeds  costiveness, 
and  the  poor  beast  dies  exhausted.  Examinations  after 
death  disclose  a  curious  condition,  namely :  the  third 
stomach  is  perfectly  stuffed  full  with  food,  and  it  is  so 
hard  and  dry,  that  it  readily  burns  when  fire  is  applied 
to  it. 

Treatment. — Allow  the   animal  plenty  of  cold  water 


334  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

to  drink,  so  that  its  mechanical  effects  may  be  taken 
advantage  of  by  assisting  to  wash,  dilute  and  moisten 
the  dry  mass.  Give  strong  purgatives.  Epsom  salts, 
one  pound ;  table  salt,  half  a  pound ;  oil  of  croton,  fif- 
teen drops ;  mix,  and  give  in  one  dose,  in  fully  a  gallon 
of  water,  for  be  it  remembered  that  cattle  should  have 
all  medicines  given  in  large  fluids,  and  it  is  more  impera- 
tively demanded  in  cases  like  this,  where  so  much  depends 
upon  fluids.  If  twenty-four  hours  pass  by  without  any 
efi'ect  from  the  salts,  repeat  the  same  dose  with  an  addi- 
tion of  two  ounces  of  the  spirits  of  turpentine.  Purga- 
tive medicine  will  now  be  stopped  here,  whether  they 
have  been  of  any  efi'ect  or  not.  So  long  as  the  animal 
does  not  seem  stupid  or  the  brain  be  not  afi'ected,  there 
are  still  hopes  that  recovery  may  reward  our  labors. 

Jaundice. — This  is  a  common  disease  in  the  ox, 
from  the  fact  he  is  supplied  with  a  gall  bladder,  and  gall 
in  great  quantity.  Jaundice  may  be  properly  called 
biliary  intoxication,  or  distribution  of  bile  throughout 
the  whole  circulation  of  the  body. 

Causes. — Closure  of  the  biliary  ducts  in  the  liver,  and 
the  consequent  absorption  of  the  bile  into  the  stomach. 
The  bile  duct  may  be  closed  from  gall  stones. 

Symptoms. — In  white-skin  oxen,  jaundice  is  seen  at 
once  from  their  yellow-colored  skin.  In  dark  colored 
animals  we  will  be  satisfied  to  examine  the  lining  of  the 
mouth,  nose  and  eyes,  for  this  yellow  appearance.  In 
addition  to  these  signs,  we  have  dullness,  costiveness,  and 
the  dung  is  of  a  whitish  or  straw  colored  look.  If  the 
symptoms  be  not  very  prominent,  the  animal  may  be 
left  with  safety,  to  the  powers  of  nature,  which  will  be 
assisted  by  giving  slop  food,  or  placing  the  animal  upon 
bare  pasture  for  a  few  days.     If  the  case  be  more  of  an 


LYMPHANGITIS.  335 

acute  kind,  give  a  dose  of  purgative  medicine.  Epsom 
salts,  one  pound;  table  salt,  half  a  pound;  ginger,  half 
an  ounce;  mix,  and  dissolve  in  four  bottles  of  water, 
sweetened  with  molasses. 

Kidney  Disease. — Kidney  disease  in  the  ox,  is  of  a 
rare  occurrence.  Disease  of  the  kidneys  is  the  disease 
of  animals,  whose  lives  are  allowed  to  run  longer  than 
those  of  oxen,  especially  when  fat  and  fit  for  market. 

Laryngitis. — (See  Croup  and  Bronchitis.) 

Leucorrhcea. — A  discharge  of  muco-purulent  matter 
from  the  womb  and  vagina  of  cows. 

Cause. — Debility  and  bloodless  condition  of  the  system. 

Treatment. — Iron,  gentian,  fenugreec,  the  mineral 
acids  and  good  nurishing  food  are  what  is  wanted  to  build 
up  the  system,  and  a  weak  solution  of  lime  may  be  in- 
jected into  the  vagina  once  a  day.  Give  the  following 
powder  morning  and  nig;ht,  powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  two 
drachms ;  powdered  gentian  root,  half  an  ounce ;  pow- 
dered ginger,  half  an  ounce ;  fenugreec,  half  an  ounce:  mix, 
and  give  in  one  dose,  and  continue  them  for  a  week.  Com- 
mercial sulphuric  acid  in  half  ounce  doses  by  weight,  may 
be  given  once  a  day  in  half  a  bucket  of  cold  water,  which 
the  cow  will  readily  drink. 

Lice. — (See  Lice  in  Part  I.  of  the  book.) 

Liver  Disease. — (See  Jaundice. 

Locked-Jaw. — Kill  the  beast  and  dress  it  for  market 
as  soon  as  it  is  known  that  it  is  locked-jawed. 

Lung  Diseases. — (See  Pleuro-pneumonia.) 

Lymphangitis. — An  affection  of  the  ox  tribe,  follow- 
ing an  accident,  and  partakes  of  some  of  the  characteris- 


336  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

tics    attending    upon   farcy  in  horses,  but  without  any 
specific  poison  being  developed. 

Treatment. — A  dose  of  salts  internally  and  formenta- 
tions  or  poultices  apply  to  the  swelling  and  to  the  sores  if 
there  be  any,  which  will  depend  whether  the  skin  gives 
way  or  not. 

Malignant  Catarrh. — (See  Catarrhus,  etc.) 

Mammitis. — (See  Garget.) 

Mange. — (See  Mange  in  Part  I  of  the  book.) 

Milk  Fever. — Fehris  Lactea. — Milk  fever  occurs 
from  the  first  to  the  third  day  after  calvipg.  Rarely  after 
the  third  day,  and  is  seldom  met  with  before  the  fourth 
calving,  and  then  attacking  chiefly  cows  of  select  breeds, 
and  good  milkers.  Milk  fever  consists  in  inflammation 
of  the  womb,  and  sometimes  even  extending  to  the  bowels. 

Symptoms. — Loss  of  appetite,  chewing  the  cud,  or  rumi- 
nation ceases,  staggering  gait,  wild  look,  falls  and  cannot 
rise;  and  if  the  disease  be  not  checked  the  brain  will  soon 
be  afi'ected  also,  then  the  cow  will  dash  about  with  her 
head  and  horns  plunging  them  into  the  ground. 

Cause. — Undue  determination  of  the  blood  to  the  womb 
from  over  feeding  before,  and  immediately  after  calving, 
and  from  sudden  changes  of  the  weather  at  the  time  of 
calving. 

Prevention. — Give  one  week  before  calving,  one  pound 
of  epsom  salts,  half  a  pound  of  table  salt,  and  half  an 
ounce  of  ground  ginger  mixed  in  four  bottles  of  cold  water, 
and  sweetened  with  molasses.  Let  the  cow's  feed  be  of 
the  lightest  kind,  such  as  hay  and  thin  slop  mashes,  and 
no  meal,  grain  or  solid  food.  This  measure  will  lessen 
the  tendency  to  interruption  of  the  circulation,  and  will 


MILK   FEVER. 


337 


improve  the  health  and  tone  of  the  whole  system.  And 
to  avoid  as  much  as  possible,  the  effects  of  sudden  changes 
of  the  weather,  have  the  cow  brought  into  the  house. 
And  when  milk  fever  is  anticipated,  give  a  few  hours 
after  calving,  twenty-five  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite 
root,  and  may  be  repeated  every  six  hours  till  four  doses 
have  been  given.  Nothing  that  I  am  acquainted  with  is 
capable  of  equalizing  the  circulation  of  the  blood  by 
controlling  the  heart's  action,  and  thereby  the  circula* 
tion  like  aconite,  and  for  this  purpose  I  highly  recom- 
mend it  to  farmers  and  breeders  of  stock  throughout  the 
country.  These  measures,  together  with  light  slop  feeding 
for  a  few  days  after  calving,  I  am  sure  will  prevent  much 
suffering  to  the  cow,  and  inconvenience  and  loss  to  the 
owner. 

Treatment — When  the  disease  is  present,  give  at  once 
thirty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root,  and  half  an 
ounce  of  the  pure  opium  in  powder,  and  give  it  in  a  bottle 
of  thin  gruel.  The  aconite  to  be  repeated  every  four  hours 
without  the  opium  ;  place  chopped  ice  in  a  bag  on  the  fore 
head,  and  attach  it  to  the  horns,  and  renew  the  ice  when 
it  is  wanted.  This  being  done  quickly,  at  more  leisure 
get  and  give  epsom  salts,  on^e  pound ;  table  salt,  one 
pound;  ginger,  half  an  ounce;  mix  and  dissolve  in  four 
bottles  of  cold  water  with  a  little  molasses  to  sweeten  it, 
and  give  at  one  dose.  After  this  medicine  has  been  given, 
turn  the  cow  from  side  to  side  every  four  hours,  or  when 
the  aconite  is  given,  this  will  save  labor  and  unnecessary 
excitement  to  the  cow,  which  should  be  left  as  quiet  as 
possible,  keep  the  legs  and  body  warm,  thereby  relieving 
the  womb  tov  that  extent.  Do  not  deny  pure  air,  nor 
plenty  of  cold  water  to  the  afflicted  animal,  for  she  not 
only  needs  them,  but  they  are  indispensible  to  a  sure  and 


22 


338  DISEASES    OF   CATTLE. 

perfect  recovery  in  most  diseases,  and  as  much  so  if  not 
more  in  a  disease  of  this  kind. 

Milk  Trembles- — This  is  a  disease  seen  in  the 
wooded  country  of  the  South  and  South-west,  and  depends 
upon  cold,  moisture  and  miasma.  The  disease  disappears 
with  improvements  and  clearing  of  the  land  from  timber. 

Treatment. — Give  gentian,  ginger,  and  fenugreec,  of 
each,  half  an  ounce;  mix,  and  make  one  dose,  which  may 
be  repeated  once  in  the  day. 

Moor  Evil.— (See  Red  Water.) 

Mouth  Disoase. — (See  Epizootic  Aphtha.) 

Murrain. — This  is  oneof  jihose  names  given  to  diseases 
of  cattle  which  ought  long  ag(Kto  have  been  expunged 
from  the  books  and  writings  of  men^who  ought  if  they  do 
not  know  that  the  word  murrain  means  to  die.  By  classi- 
cal scholars,  orators,  and  poets  the  word,  murrain  may 
be  taken  as  an  indication  that  they  have  read  Virgil, 
Homer  and  Horace;  but  when  cow  doctors  talk  about  the 
murrain,  it  conveys  the  reverse  idea  we  entertain  about 
the  orator  and  poet.  Cattle  plagues  and  murrain  are  ex- 
cellent names,  whereby  the  ignorant  pretender  gains  credit 
among  farmers  and  others,  for  a  knowledge  he  never  did 
possess.  The  name  murrain  may  then  be  given  to  any 
disease  or  diseases,  however  different  the  one  may  be  from 
the  other  in  sign,  symptom  and  seat,  providing  that  the 
beast  die.  It  will  be  observed,  however,  that  if  the  animal 
should  live,  murrain  c£^n't  or  could  not  be  its  right  or  proper 
name.  Murrain  as  applied  to  cattle  diseases  conveys  no 
idea  of  the  nature  or  seat  of  the  disease,  and  may  be  given 
to  any  disease  a  man  may  choose.  In  some  parts  of  the 
world,  murrain  is  applied  to  epizootic  aphtha,  a  disease 
affecting  the  mouth    and  feet,  and  withal,  not  a  deadly 


OVARIAN   TUMOR.  339 

or  fatal  disease.  Without  fatality,  a  person  would  natu- 
rally and  knowingly  think  that  there  can  be  no  murrain. 
The  absurdity  of  the  name  so  applied,  can  induce  no  very 
high  opinion  of  cow  doctors  in  the  minds  of  intelligent  men. 

Nephritis.— This  is  a  name  given  to  disease,  or  in- 
flammation of  the  kidneys.     Scarcely  ever  seen  in   the 


ox. 


Nervous  Diseases.— These  may  be  named  as  fol- 
lows:—Brain  diseases,  apoplexy,  inflammation  of  the 
brain,  palsy,  paralysis,  locked  jaw,  twitching  of  the 
muscles,  etc. 

(Estromania.— A  term  applied  to  cows  when  bulling. 

(Estrus  Bovis.— The  fly  which  deposits  the  eggs^ 
from  which  the  ox  hot  is  developed. 

Osseous. — Composed  of  bone,  bony  tumor. 

Ovarian  Dropsy.— This  is  a  disease  peculiar  to  milch 
cows,  and  consists  of  watery  swellings  of  the  ovary,  usu- 
ally one  ovary  being  aff'ected.  Ovarian  dropsy  is  cha- 
racterized by  a  large,  soft  swelling,  situated  upon  the 
side  of  the  cow,  between  the  short  rib  and  the  thigh. 

Treatment— TinpY)mg  the  tumor  with  an  instrument 
called  a  trocar,  whereby  the  fluid  is  let  out:  when  this  is 
done,  feed  the  cow  well,  and  give  her  iron,  gentian  and 
ginger,  to  prevent  further  accumulation. 

Ovarian  Tumor.— The  difi*erence  between  ovarian 
dropsy  and  ovarian  tumor,  as  ascertained  by  the  touch, 
is,  the  dropsy  is  soft  and  fluctuating,  and  the  tumor 
hard  and  slightly  movable.  Ovarian  tumors  are  gene- 
rally hard,  and  similar  to  cancroid  and  en^ephaloid  tu- 
mors found  in  man  and  animals. 


340  DISEASES    OF   CATTLE. 

Treatment. — Fatten  the  animal,  kill  and  send  her  to 
market,  before  she  dies,  and  be  a  complete  loss. 

Palsy,  or  Paralysis. — This  is  a  nervous  disease, 
and  is  characterized  by  the  animal  having  lost  the  power 
of  standing.     Palsy  may  be  partial  or  complete. 

Cause. — Tumors  on  the  brain,  injury  to,  or  softening 
of  the  spinal  cord. 

Symptoms. — Inability  of  the  animal  to  move,  con- 
tinued laying,  will  usually  eat  and  drink  as  if  nothing 
were  amiss,  and  will  continue  to  do  so  for  many  weeks. 

Treatment. — We  are  in  possession  of  only  one  drug, 
which  is  oftentimes  of  service  in  curing  this  disease,  de- 
pending on  whether  the  paralysis  be  from  reflex  action 
of  the  nerves  of  motion,  or  from  entire  suspension  of 
feeling.  If  the  case  be  from  reflex  action,  then  this 
medicine  had  better  not  be  given;  but  if  the  nervous 
feeling  be  entirely  lost,  the  strychnia  may  then  be  given 
in  one  grain  doses  twice  in  the  day  in  the  animal's  feed, 
and  continue  it  for  a  week  or  two. 

Parasitic  Lung  Disease- — (See  Hoose.) 

Parturient  Fever. — (See  Milk  Fever.) 

Phthisis- — (See  Consumption  and  Diarrhoea.) 

.  Placenta. — This  is  a  name  given  to  the  after-birth. 

Plethora- — Fatness — full  of  blood. 

Pleurisy. — This  is  inflammation  of  the  peuro,  or 
white,  fibrous,  serous  tissue  lining  the  ribs  within  the 
chest,  and  the  covering  of  the  lungs.  For  further  par- 
ticulars we  will  introduce  them  in  the  next  article. 

Pleuro-pneumonia. — ''' Massachusetts  Cattle  Dis- 
ease,'' or  Epizootic  Pleuro-pneumonia, — Pleuro- 
pneumonia is  a  compound  disease,  as  its  name  indicates — 


PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.  341 

pleuro  and  pneumonia.  Mj  own  opinion  is,  however,  and 
it  is  almost  a  certainty,  I  think,  that  the  single  name  ple- 
urisy would  cover  the  whole  ground,  for  the  pathology  of 
the  disease  unmistakably  points  to  this  one  fact,  that  the 
lungs  are  not  affected  as  a  disease  from  the  beginning, 
but  the  solid,  spotted  and  mottled  condition  of  the  lungs 
are  but  the  effects  of  disease  of  the  pleural  covering,  and 
consequent  effusions  of  serum  into  the  chest,  floating  and 
surrounding  the  lungs,  together  with  weakness,  low  vita- 
lity, and  debility  of  the  animal  affected.  This  then  is 
the  reason  why  the  lungs  have  become  diseased,  and  the 
consequent  double  name  given  to  the  affection. 

However  much  men  may  doubt  it,  this  diseases  is  no- 
thing more  than  buccal  inflammation,  extending  from  the 
coverings  of  the  mouth  and  nose  down  to  the  pleural 
membranes  within  the  chest,  speedily  followed  by  exten- 
sive outpouring  of  fluid  called  serum,  and  it  is  not  till 
this  fluid  has  accumulated  in  sufficient  quantity  that  the 
evidences  of  disease  show  itself  to  the  farmer  or  breeder. 
Cows  are  not  so  nervous,  nor  yet  so  excitable  as  horses 
are,  whether  in  health  or  sickness,  and  hence,  the  ab- 
sence of  those  symptoms  in  the  early  stage  of  the  disease 
in  cows,  which  are  so  early  shown  in  horses,  when  af- 
fected by  the  same  sickness.  *  Farmers,  remember  this, 
for  in  early  detection  lies  often  the  life  of  the  animal. 

Again,  and  in  support  of  my  theory,  if  the  lungs  were 
one  of  the  primary  seats  of  the  disease,  it  would  not  be 
reasonable  to  expect  the  animal  to  live  for  a  week,  and  in 
some  cases  a  month,  as  is  the  case  with  animals  affected 
with  this  disease.  In  no  disease  of  the  lungs,  excepting 
tubercles,  will  animals  live  so  long  as  those  do  when  af- 
fected with  pleuro-pneumonia,  thus  entirely  disproving 
the  universal  theory  of  all  and  every  person  who  has  an 
idea  to  offer  upon  the  subject. 


342  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

The  length  of  time  animals  live  with  this  disease,  to- 
gether with  the  serum,  the  condition  of  the  lungs,  and 
the  adhesions  so  often  seen  connecting  the  lungs  with  the 
sides  of  the  chest,  does  not  go  to  prove  the  incurability 
of  the  disease  at  all,  as  has  been  so  often  asserted,  but 
on  the  contrary  it  goes  to  show  the  curability  of  the  dis- 
ease, and  the  ignorance  of  those  who  have  been  guilty  of  so 
bold  and  unwarranted  an  assertion,  thereby  deceiving  the 
honest  cow  keeper  and  breeder  to  their  great  loss,  and  in 
some  cases  to  their  ruin.  Pleuro-pneumonia  then  I  take 
to  be  a  disease  similar  to  typhoid  influenza  in  the  horse, 
affecting  the  white  membranes  of  the  nose,  mouth,  wind 
pipe  and  chest,  speedily  followed  by  outpouring  of  fluid 
into  the  cavity  of  the  thorax  or  chest,  gradually  increasing 
in  volumn,  till  the  lungs  are  nearly  submerged,  solidifying 
them,  thus  arresting  areation,  or  proper  oxygenation  of 
the  blood,  together  with  shreds  of  plastic  lymph  connect- 
ing and  interfering  still  further  with  the  action  of  what- 
ever healthy  lung  there  may  be  left:  thus  by  a  gradual, 
but  progressive  process,  the  vital  power  gives  way,  and 
the  poor  beast  dies  from  suffocation,  or  asphyxia,  in  from 
one  week  to  two  months  or  more,  depending  if  the  cow 
be  in  calf,  and  what  condition  otherwise  the  animal  may 
be  in.  The  better  the  condition,  the  longer  will  they 
live,  and  the  more  likely  are  they  to  live,  even  without 
medicine,  thus  giving  the  lie  to  its  incurability.  (See 
Bronchitis.) 

Cause. — Some  subtle  poison  in  the  atmosphere  some- 
times, and  not  always  present,  sudden  and  severe  changes 
in  the  temperature,  cold,  heat,  dryness  and  moisture,  east- 
erly winds,  and  possibly  some  other  conditions  which  may 
be  present,  but  not  recognized,  and  give  rise  to  what  is 
called  the  predisposing  cause,  for  certainly  we  have  those 


PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.  343 

various  chancres  in  the  condition  of  the  weather,  without 
producing  the  disease,  something  being  wanted  in  the 
animal  economy  to  act  as  a  predisposing  cause,  thus 
two  causes  being  necessary  to  produce  epizootic  disease, 
namely :  the  predisposing  cause  which  resides  in  the  sys- 
tem, and  the  exciting  cause,  which  belongs  to  the  atmos- 
phere. Atmospheric  cause  is  being  clearly  proven  from 
the  fact  of  the  early  symptoms  of  the  disease  being  irri- 
tation of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  nostrils,  nose, 
eyes,  etc.  That  this  may  be  properly  understood,  let 
any  person  entei'  the  too  frequently  over  heated  lecture 
room  or  theatre,  with  its  impure  air,  and  on  coming  out 
to  the  keen  air  of  night,  how  the  membranes  of  the  eyes 
drop  tears,  and  sneezing  from  irritation  of  the  nose  takes 
place.  Pleuro-pneumonia  being  a  disease  chiefly  attack- 
ing milch  cows  and  working  oxen,  rarely  affecting  herds 
of  cattle  in  the  field';  thus  we  are  carried  back  again  in 
our  inquiries  to  the  cow  house,  barn  yard  and  its  sur- 
roundings— the  slop  feed  stimulating  the  cow  to  over 
secretion  of  milk,  and  at  the  expense  of  her  general 
health  and  condition — the  smoking  and  putrefying  dung 
heap — the  imperfect  ventilation  and  over-heated  stable — 
giving  of  stimulating  feed,  and  immediately  after  turning 
the  heated  cow  out  to  the  cold,  and  sometimes  frozen 
watering  trough,  to  quench  her  thirst.  In  one  or  other 
of  these  anomalies  or  all  combined,  will  be  found  the 
cause  of  this  epizootic  disease.  Contagion,  if  it  is  really 
contagious,  which  I  honestly  doubt  and  even  deny,  how- 
ever, if  it  is  contagion  then  it  cannot  be  the  only  exciting 
and  predisposing  cause  of  the  disease. 

Symp>toms. — As  has  been  already  stated,  the  early 
symptoms  are  irritation  of  the  membranes  of  the  nose, 
windpipe,   etc.     The  symptoms  of  this  irritation  are  not 


344  DISEASES   OP   CATTLE. 

perceived  by  the  farmer,  till  effusions  of  fluid  are  poured 
into  the  chest  in  considerable  quantities,  and  interfering 
with  the  movements  of  the  lungs,  and  consequently  the 
breathing  or  respiration  then — and  then  only  does  the 
farmer  observe  that  the  animal  is  sick.  The  presence  of 
irritation  in  the  windpipe  can  be  detected  by  placing  the 
ear  close  to  the  wind-pipe,  previously  tightening  the  skin 
upon  it,  when  a  slight  grating  sound  is  heard.  The 
immediate  effects  of  irritation  of  the  wind-pipe  of  the 
cow,  is  a  slight  discharge  of  an  acrid  fluid,  of  the  ap- 
pearance of  water,  from  the  corners  of  the  eyes  and  nose, 
which  is,  however,  sometimes  so  slight  that  ordinary  per- 
sons fail  to  see  it,  and  if  they  did — would  attach  no 
importance  to  it,  and  so  the  first,  and  most  important 
time  and  symptoms  is  passed  by  uncared  for,  unheeded 
and  unchecked.  The  next  and  important  symptom  is  a 
half  involuntary  cough,  or  rather  a  'husking  sound,  not 
the  clear  cough  which  horses  give,  when  similarly 
affected.  When  cough  is  heard,  it  may  then  be  said  the 
incubative  stage  has  passed  away.  I  have  said  incuba- 
tive, although  not  believing  in  such  an  existence,  if  it  be 
not  in  the  passive  condition  of  the  minds  of  men,  who  give 
credence  to  such  a  theory.  Milk  is  now  small  in  quantity, 
thin  and  blue,  cough  more  loud  and  oftener,  breathing 
quick  and  laboured,  accompanied  with  a  c/runt,  rumina- 
tion is  irregular,  and  the  appetite  precarious.  Such  then 
are  the  sypmptoms  that  may  be  seen  by  the  ordinary 
observer.  Auscultation  and  percussion  applied  to  the 
sides  of  the  chest,  are  not  to  be  relied  upon  by  persons 
who  are  not  accustomed  to  the  chest  murmurs,  or  sounds 
in  health  and  diseases.  Animals  in  good  condition  rally 
from  the  attack  and  get  well,  without  assistance  from 
medicine  or  art.     In  weak  and  low  conditioned  animals, 


PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.  345 

the  disease  and  symptoms  are  gradual  and  progressive,  and 
finally  the  animal  dies  in  from  two  weeks  to  two  months. 

Treatment. — The  success  of  the  treatment  here  rec- 
commended,  will  depend,  1st.  Upon  whether  the  animal 
be  in  good  or  low  condition ;  2nd.  Whether  the  cow  be 
heavy  with  calf;  3d.  Whether  the  disease  has  been  dis- 
covered, and  treatment  applied  in  good  season.  These 
are  important  inquiries,  for  much  depends  upon  them,  for 
this  disease  is  much  more  frequent  and  fatal  in  cows 
heavy  with  calf,  and  animals  in  low  condition.  If  the  dis- 
ease has  been  observed  within  forty  eight  hours  from  the 
time  of  attack,  give  the  following  powders  every  four 
hours  between  six  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  at  ten  at 
night,  or  at  six,  ten,  two,  six  and  ten  o'clock: 

Tincture  of  aconite  root,  two  drachms  and  a  half; 
powdered  gentian  root,  three  ounces;  powdered  ginger 
root,  three  ounces;  sulphate  of  iron,  two  ounces:  mix 
well,  and  divide  into  five  powders  and  give  as  above 
directed.  After  the  five  powders  have  been  given,  con- 
tinue with  the  same  powders,  but  without  the  aconite, 
and  give  them  only  three  times  in  the  day,  instead  of 
five  as  above  directed.  Half  an  ounce  of  the  sulphite 
of  soda  may  be  added  to  each  powder  with  advantage. 
Give  occasionally  once  a  day,  half  an  ounce  of  oil  of 
vitriol,  or  sulphuric  acid  by  weight,  and  mixed  in  half  a 
bucket  of  cold  water,  w^iich  the  animal  will  readily  drink. 
The  powder  will  have  to  be  mixed  in  a  large  bottle  of 
water,  and  sweetened  with  molasses.  Allow  plenty  of 
pure  air,  cold  water  and  good  strong  feed,  but  not  too 
much  at  a  time ;  this  will  be  better  than  thin,  poor  and 
non-strengthening  slop,  which  is  so  injurious  and  decep- 
tive, and  so  often  recommended  and  adopted  in  cases  of 
sickness.     In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease,  the  carbo- 


346  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

nate  of  ammonia  given  in  three  drachm  doses,  along 
with  the  other  powders,  will  do  much  good.  There  are 
two  points  I  have  ever  sought  to  obtain,  in  the  treatment 
of  this  disease.  1st,  To  mantain  the  appetite.  2nd,  To 
restore  and  maintain  it,  if  it  be  lost. 

Prolapsus  Vaginae- — Procidenta. — This  is  a  pro- 
trusion of  the  womb  through  the  vulva,  and  is  an  acci- 
dent of  frequent  occurrence  with  cows  when  accumulating 
flesh  fast,  and  also  among  cows,  denominated  bullers. 
Sometimes,  however,  it  may  be  due  to  tumors,  or  dropsy 
in  the  womb  or  ovaries. 

Treatment. — If  from  ovarian  disease,  spay  the  cow, 
and  in  simple  cases  elevate  the  hind  parts  of  the  cow, 
by  making  the  stall  lower  at  front  and  higher  behind,  and 
place  a  pad  on  the  parts,  after  the  manner  described, 
under  the  article  Falling  of  the  Womb. 

Prolapsus  VesicCE. — (See  Bladder  Inversion  of.) 

Prurigo  Vernalis. — This  is  a  disease  of  the  Spring 
of  the  year,  attacking  cattle,  and  characterized  by  ex- 
treme itchness — the  body  is  covered  with  inflammatory 
spots,  which  discharge  pus,  and  form  scabs,  which  fall  off 
and  leave  the  parts  bald,  or  without  hair. 

Treatment. — Give  a  dose  of  epsom  salts,  and  fumi- 
gate the  beast  with  sulphurous  acid  gas.  (See  Sulphu- 
rous acid  gas,  in  Part  II.  of  the  book.)  Give  good 
feeding  and  good  shelter. 

Puerpural  Fever. — (See  Milk  Fever.) 

ftuarter  Evil. — (See  Black  Leg.) 

Red  Water. —  This  is  a  disease  of  milch  cows  soon  af- 
ter calving,  and  consists  in  an  altered  condition  of  the 
blood  in  which  the  red  globules  are  broken  up,  and  the 


RETROVERSION    OF    THE    WOMB.  347 

coloring  matter  -whicli  is  called  hematosin  escapes  and  is 
passed  with  the  urine. 

Cause. — Obscure,  but  assigned  to  local  causes  as  the 
peculiar  propertiss  of  certain  herbs  or  grasses  which  the 
cow  feeds  upon.  My  opinion,  however,  is  that  the  cause 
will  be  found  to  be  local  congestion — the  red  coloring  mat- 
ter is  but  the  product — red  colored  serum. 

Symiotoms. — Diarrhoea  lasting  for  a  day  or  two,  fol- 
lowed by  constipation,  urine  of  a  brown  color  changing 
to  a  deep  red,  and  in  the  last  and  fatal  stages  the  urine  is 
black,  resembling  porter. 

Post  Mortem — Appearances  confirm  my  opinion  that 
it  is  local  congestion  that  gives  rise  to  red  water.  The 
liver  and  kidney  being  chiefly  implicated. 

Treatment. — Give  a  strong  dose  of  epsom  and  common 
table  salt,  one  pound  each,  and  half  an  ounce  of  ginger; 
dissolved  in  four  bottles  of  water  and  sweetened  with  mo- 
lasses. Give  mashes  pretty  well  wet  and  in  a  day  or  two 
follow  by  giving  powdered  ginger  root,  half  an  ounce; 
powdered  gentian  root,  half  an  ounce ;  powdered  fenu- 
greec,  half  an  ounce ;  mix  and  make  one  dose,  give  one 
dose  twice  in  the  day,  till  sufficient  improvement  takes 
place  to  warrant  no  further  medicine  to  be  given.  To 
hasten  recovery,  give  good  and  generous  feeding,  which 
will  also  assist  in  making  blood  for  that  which  has  been 
lost. 

Reticulem. — The  second  stomach  so  called  from  ret 
or  net  like,  and  is  sometimes  called  the  honeycomb. 

Retroflexion  of  the  Womb.— Retroflexion  is  said 
to  be  present  when  the  canal  is  bent  on  itself. 

Retroversion  of  the  Womb.— This  term  is  ap- 
plied when  the  canal  is  straight. 


348  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

Kheumatism- — (See  Rheumatism  in  Part  I.  of  the 

book) 

Rinderpest. — This  is  the  Dutch  name  for  Cattle 
Plague.  So  much  am  I  against  such  ignorant  and  unmean- 
ing names  being  used  by  persons  you  would  insult,  if  they 
but  only  knew  that  you  had  but  a  poor  opinion  of  their 
scientific  attainments.  The  disease  will  be  found  treated 
of  under  the  article  Typhus  Contagiosus  Bourn,  (con- 
tagious typhus  of  cattle.) 

Ringworm. — This  is  a  parasitic  disease,  and  consists 
in  the  growth  of  cellular  tumors  on  the  skin.  Young 
animals  of  one  and  two  years  are  most  subject  to  the 
attack  of  the  parsasites. 

Symptoms. — Broad  and  flattered  elevations  on  the  skin. 

Treatment. — If  left  to  themselves  they  will  die  out  in  a 
year.  The  oxide  of  zinc  ointment  will  speedily  cure  the 
affection.  It  is  considered  a  contagious  disease,  although 
not  a  fatal  one. — (See  Ointments  in  Part  II.  of  the  book.) 

Rot. — (See  Diarrhoea  and  Consumption.) 

Rumen  or  Paunch. — This  is  the  first  stomach  and 
is  the  receptacle  for  all  food  that  is  gathered,  and  is  kept 
there  till  wanted,  or  till  the  rumen  is  full,  when  rumina- 
tion is  usually  begun  by  contraction  of  the  rumen  upon 
its  contents,  whereby  portions  of  the  food  are  forced  into 
the  gullet  and  mouth,  to  be  remasticated,  and  finally 
passes  down  the  gullet  again  this  time,  not  over  the  floor 
of  the  canal,  but  it  separates  the  pillars,  and  passes  not 
into  the  rumen,  but  into  the  manyplus,  or  third  stomach. 

Rupture  in  Calves. — The  rupture  we  are  now  con- 
sidering is  what  is  known  by  the  name  Umbilical,  which 
occurs  in  young  colts  and  calves,  and  consists  in  the  pro- 
trusion of  a  portion  of  the  bowel  and  intestine  through 


SPAYING   COWS.  349 

the  navel,  thus  forming  a  small  tumor.     This  condition  is 
often  congenital,  or  found  on  the  calf  at  birth. 

Treatment— Force  the  bowel  up  into  the  bellj  and 
gather  the  loose  skin  together,  and  tie  a  well  waxed  cord 
tightly  round  it  close  to  the  belly,  and  a  strong  pin  may 
be  forced  through  the  skin  below  the  ligature  or  cord,  to 
keep  it  from  falling  off  before  the  loose  skin  comes  away. 
In  a  few  days  the  skin  will  fall  off,  leaving  a  healthy  sore 
without  any  hole  or  rupture. 

Another  form  of  treatment  is  to  place  a  bandage  round 
the  body,  and  a  pad  over  the  rupture,  as  is  recommended 
for  the  same  condition  in  colts,  which  see.  Whatever 
plan  that  may  be  adopted  for  the  cure  of  umbilical  hernia 
in  calves,  each  one  must  be  kept  separate  from  one  another, 
as  each  will  suck  the  other,  thus  preventing  closure  of  the 
rupture  and  healing  of  the  parts. 

Siberian  Boil  Tlague.—Oarhuncular  Disease.— 
This  is  one  of  those  diseases  affecting  cattle  on  the  Russian 
Siberian  Steppes.  It  is  a  blood  poison  or  pyemia,  and  is 
closely  allied  to  the  other  Russian  Steppe  disease,  com- 
monly called  rinderpest  and  cattle  plague. 

Slinking  the  Calf.— (See  Abortion.) 

Sore  Throat.— (See  Bronchitis.) 

Spaying.  — This  is  the  name  given  to  an  opera- 
tion for  the  removal  of  the  ovaries  or  female  testicles  from 
the  milch  cow  and  young  female  oxen.  The  object  for  the 
removal  of  the  ovaries  from  young  cows  that  never  have 
had  a  calf,  is  to  prevent  them  from  ever  having  a  desire  for 
the  male,  and  that  she  will  be  the  more  easily  fattened 
and  fitted  for  the  market.  Young  cows  so  operated  upon, 
are  henceforth  called  heifers. 


350  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

Spayed  Cows,  the  Advantages  of. — The  fol- 
lowing are  the  reasons  why  dairy  men  should  spay  their 
cows,  when  not  intended  for  breeding : 

1.  Spayed  cows  are  more  easily  kept  in  good  condition 
than  cows  not  spayed. 

2.  They  are  less  liable  to  sickness  of  an  epizootic 
kind,  and  when  sick,  more  certain  and  easy  of  cure. 

3.  When  epizootic  diseases  are  present  in  the  vicinity, 
or  even  in  the  herd,  spayed  cows  are  always  in  condition, 
and  fit  for  the  butcher,  and  to  prevent  loss  and  save  ex- 
pense in  the  treatment,  with  the  attendant  risk  of  loss  of 
some,  and  loss  of  condition  and  milk  of  all  that  are  affected, 
they  can  be  sold  not  at  a  loss  as  is  the  case  with  cows  not 
spayed,  and  when  pleuro-pneumonia  is  among  them. 

4.  Spayed  cows  give  the  same  quantity  and  quality  of 
milk  all  the  year  round,  if  they  are  properly  fed  and  cared 
for. 

5.  Ten  spayed  cows  will  give  the  year  round  as  much 
milk  as  double  the  number  of  cows  not  spayed,  thus 
saving  the  interest  on  the  outlay  for  ten  cows,  together 
with  the  absence  of  risk  from  loss  of  some  of  the  principal 
by  death  of  one  or  more  from  sickness,  or  accident,  not  to 
speak  of  the  feed  of  ten  cows.  The  feed  of  ten  cows  and 
the  manure  of  ten  cows,  the  farmer  can  best  tell  the 
difference  in  their  value. 

6.  With  spayed  cows  there  is  no  risk  to  run  from  milk 
fever,  nor  troubled  with  cows  called  buUers. 

7.  To  fatten  a  cow,  spay  her  and  not  give  her  the 
bull,  as  is  the  present  custom  by  which  feed  and  time  are 
consumed,  and  yet  the  animal  still  is  not  very  fat  after 
all  for  she  has  to  provide  fattening  substance  to  the  calf 
in  the  womb,  whereas  if  she  had  been  spayed,  would  have 
been  appropriated  to  herself;  nor  is  this  all,  'for  the  calf 


SPLEENIC    APOPLEXY.  351 

in  the  belly  of  the   cow  is    at   once  discounted  by  the 
butcher,  as  it  is  not  a  saleable  article  in  market. 

8.  Spayed  cows  cannot  abort  or  slink  their  calves. 
We  have  now  had  a  bird's  eye  view  of  the  advantages  to 
be  desired  from  spayed  cows,  now  let  us  look  in  the  same 
manner  at  the  disadvantages  of  spayed  ones. 

1.  The  expense  of  the  operation  and  attendant  risk  of 
the  animal  dying,  although  this  is  not  great,  about  one  in 
the  hundred,  and  the  expense  of  the  operation  will  be 
from  three  to  five  dollars,  which  will  depend  upon  the 
distance  tlie  operator  has  to  travel,  and  how  many  ani- 
mals are  to  be  operated  upon. 

2.  Spayed  cows  are  apt  to  accumulate  fat  and  flesh  so 
that  they  will  become  dry  much  sooner  than  cows  not 
spayed,  still  there  can  be  little  loss,  for  a  fat  cow  is 
always  ready  for  sale.  These  then  are  the  abjections  to 
the  spaying  of  cows,  if  objections  they  may  be  called. 
We  now  leave  the  subject  to  those  who  are  more  immedi- 
ately interested. 

Spleenic  Apoplexy. — This  is  a  new  disease,  and  con- 
sists in  engorgement  of  the  spleen  with  blood,  and  subse- 
quent rupture  of  the  organ,  followed  by  death  in  from 
twelve  to  twenty-four  hours  from  the  time  of  atttack. 

Cause.^This  disease  is  clearly  traceable  to  the  new, 
and  what  is  wrongfully  called  i7nproved  feeding  and  fat- 
tening of  cattle.  Food,  rich  in  nutritive  qualities,  and 
deficient  in  fluid's  is  the  great  cause  of  spleenic  apoplexy 
in  cattle. 

Symptoms. — Constitutional  disturbance  is  set  up  all  at 
once,  and  no  early  symptoms  manifested.  The  animal  is 
well  to  every  appearance  at  one  time  in  the  day  and  dead 
by  evening.  When  the  symptoms  are  seen,  they  are  as 
follows  :     Colicky  pains,  twitching  of  the  muscles,  stagger- 


352  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

ing  gait,  frothing  from  the  mouth,  the  urine  colored  and 
mixed  with  blood,  the  animal  falls  and  dies.  The  imme- 
diate cause  of  death  being  coma,  from  derangement  of  the 
brain. 

Treatment. — Treat  the  case  by  way  of  prevention  with 
low  diet.  No  treatment  however  well  directed,  is  of  any 
use  when  the  disease  has  once  manifested  itself.  Life  is 
prolonged  a  few  hours  by  blood  letting,  but  no  cure  can 
be  effected. 

Spring  Eruption.— (See  Ringworm.) 

Stomach  Staggers.— (See  Hoven.) 

Strangulation.— (See  Choking.) 

Sturdy. — (See  Hydatides.) 

Teats. — Teats  of  milch  cows  are  often  subject  to  dis- 
eases and  derangement. 

First.  Milk  stones  sometimes  stop  the  flow  of  milk, 
and  are  felt  within  the  milk  channel,  when  the  teat  is 
pressed  between  the  fingers.  For  their  removal,  take  a 
silver  probe  or  knitting  needle,  and  if  possible,  force  the 
obstruction  up  into  the  udder. 

Second.  Strictures  of  the  milk  channel  of  the  teat, 
which  cause  a  small  stream  of  milk  to  flow,  and  impair 
the  usefulness  of  that  quarter  of  the  udder.  This  can 
also  be  remedied  by  using  a  silver  probe  or  needle,  com- 
mencing, however,  with  a  small  size,  and  gradually  using 
thicker  or  larger  ones,  till  the  channel  is  as  large  as 
wanted.  This  operation  will  have  to  be  carried  on  for  a 
week  or  two,  the  first  day  using  the  small  probe  three 
timeg  in  the  day,  and  following  the  next  day  with  the 
larger  size,  and  so  continue  with  other  sizes,  till  finally 
cured. 

Third.  Warts  are  of  occasional  trouble  to  the  cow, 
and  to  those  who  milk  her.     The  irritation,  and  some- 


TEXAN   FEVER.  353 

times  swelling  is  induced,  which  cause  closure  in  the 
channel  of  the  teat.  Warts  are  to  be  removed  by  a  pair 
of  sharp  scissors. 

Fourth.  Sore  teats  are  cured  bj  the  simple  ointment, 
one  ounce,  and  one  drachm  of  the  rust  of  copper,  com- 
monly called  verdigris,  added  to  it. 

Teeth  Diseased. — Diseases  of  the  teeth  of  cattle  are 
not  so  common  as  in  horses.  However,  I  have  seen  cases 
of  a  diseased  tooth  in  cows,  causing  a  bony  enlargement 
on  the  lower  jaw,  and  subsequent  fistulous  opening,  and 
discharges  running  from  it.  When  disease  of  the  roots  of 
the  upper  teeth  takes  place,  it  is  accompanied  with  a  bad 
smelling  discharge  from  the  nostril  on  the  side  on  which 
the  diseased  tooth  is. 

Texan  Fever. — This  is  a  disease  accompanied  with 
sympathetic  fever,  and  is  not  confined  to  Texas  alone, 
for  we  see  it  more  or  less  every  year  in  the  Eastern  and 
Middle  States,  showing  itself  at  the  close  of  the  summer 
months  to  the  end  of  autumn.  Texan  fever  is  nothing 
more  than  the  Fardle  Bound  of  the  European  writers — 
impaction  of  the  manyplus  with  withered  and  dried  grass 
and  herbage  containing  no  moisture  whatever:  the  sto- 
mach refuses  to  digest  it.  Heat,  dryness  and  fever  of 
the  system  is  thus  set  up,  with  all  their  attendant  conse- 
quences. 

Treatment. — Large  doses  of  epsom  or  glauber  salts, 
dissolved  in  great  quantities  Q,f  molasses  water.  If  no 
relief  follows  in  twenty-four  hours,  repeat  the  dose  again, 
bearing  in  mind  all  the  while  that  great  quantities  of  fluid 
or  cold  water  is  a  means  to  overcome  the  dry  condition 
of  the  impacted  stomach.  Indeed,  the  cure  has  a  good 
deal  of  a  mechanical  nature  about  it,  for  by  large 
drenches  of  water  with  the  salts,  do  not  only  assist  their 

22 


354  DISEASES     OF   CATTLE. 

action,  but  in  many  cases  washes  and  dissolves  the  dry 
feed  into  a  soft  mass  or  pulp  which  will  readily  pass 
away,  and  the  poor  beast  be  relieved  from  pain,  and  is 
cured.  Suspect  this  disease  when  occurring  after  a 
good  grass  growing  spring,  succeed  by  a  dry,  scorching 
summer,  converting  grass  into  spindles  containing  no 
moisture,  and  little  nutritive  properties. 

Throat  Diseases. — (See  Bronchitis.) 
Thrush. — (See  Epizootic  Aphtha.) 

Tongue  of  the  Ox. — We  speak  of  the  tongue  of  the 
ox  not  with  the  view  of  its  diseases,  for  that  has  already 
been  done  when  speaking  of  aphtha;  but  for  the  purpcsa 
of  explaining  the  diflference  in  the  appearance  between 
the  tongue  of  the  horse  and  that  of  the  ox;  for  occa- 
sionally they  are  seen  side  by  side  in  provision  stores 
and  other  places,  and  sold  as  the  tongue  of  the  ox  or 
cow.  The  appearance  of  a  salted  tongue  of  the  horse  is 
much  shorter  and  broader  at  its  tip,  and  is,  withal,  the 
finest  looking ;  and  to  those  who  are  not  aAvare  of  the  na- 
ture of  things,  they  are  most  likely  to  prefer  and  pur- 
chase the  horse  tongue  to  that  of  the  ox.  The  ox 
tongue  is  long,  and  narrow  at  its  point.  The  ox  can 
flex  and  use  its  tongue  much  the  same  as  a  cat  can  han- 
dle her  phrensile  paw.  The  horse  cannot  do  this,  but 
gathers  his  food  with  his  front  teeth:  the  ox  gathers  his 
with  his  tongue.  Avoid  the  good-looking,  broad  and 
short  tongue,  and  choose  the  long,  narrow  and  irregular 
one;  then  you  may  be  sure  of  the  tongue  of  the  ox. 

Tubercle  Disease. — (See  Consumption  and  Diar- 
rhoea.) 

Tympanitis. — (See  Hoven.) 


TYPHUS    CONTAGIOSUS   BOUN.  355 

Typhus  Contagiosus  Baun— Contagious  Ty- 
phus of  Cattle— Hiaderpest— Cattle  Plague- 
Steppe  Disease— Loserdurre,  etc— This  is  one  of 

those  epizootic  diseases  which  have,  at  distant  and  differ- 
ent periods  of  the  workl's  history,  attacked  the  ox  tribe 
of  Europe,  and  consists  in  inflammation  and  irritation  of 
the  fibrous,  serous  tissue,  or  white  membranes  of  the  nose, 
windpipe  and  chest,  and  instead  of  serum  or  fluid  being 
poured  out  as  a  consequence,  as  it  does  in  cases  of  epi- 
zootic pleuro-pneumonia,  the  membranes  become  deteri- 
orated, and  portions  become  detached,  and  some  partially 
adhere,  but  all  decay,  and  become  a  dangerous  poison, 
which  is  gradually  absorbed  into  the  general  circulation, 
speedily  followed  by  fermentation  of  the  blood  within  the 
body,  resulting  in  boils,  or  small  carbuncles  containing 
pus,  which  soon  break  and  discharge.  All  of  which  is 
accompanied  by  sympbtthetic  fever,  but  typhus  so  called, 
gradual  and  progressive  in  its  character,  till  the  blood 
and  tissue  of  the  body  are  no  longer  fit  for  the  purposes 
of  life,  the  animal  dying,  an  exhausted  and  miserable  ob- 
ject, in  from  ^.fe^w  days  to  one,  two  and  three  weeks  from 
the  time  of  attack. 

Causes. — Certain  conditions  of  the  air  and  earth,  as 
heat  and  moisture,  cold  and  dryness,  contagion.  These 
may  be  called  the  exciting  causes ;  something  still  being 
wanted  in  the  system  of  the  animal  to  form  the  predis- 
posing cause,  as  debility,  and^^a  low  standard  of  general 
health.  Indeed,  those  conditions  which  sometimes  exist, 
and  form  pleuro-pneumonia,  are  capable  of  producing 
contagious  typhus.  I  am  borne  out  in  this  opinion  by 
Jessen,  who  among  the  discordant  opinions  and  theories 
of  Europe,  has  declared  the  disease  to  be  associated  with 
pleuro-pneumonia;  and  Dr.  Greenhow  says  that  conta- 


356  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

gious  typhus  existed  side  by  side  with  pulmonary  disease 
in  England,  in  the  middle  of  the  last  century.  Why  the- 
orize any  further,  for  it  is  so  plain  that  those  who  run 
can  read,  that  veterinary  surgeons,  politicians  and  noto- 
rity  hunters  have,  at  the  expense  of  the  suffering  farmers 
of  Europe,  continued  to  perplex  and  puzzle  too  long? 
The  same  has  been  attempted  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
other  States  of  the  Union,  even  in  cases  of  simple  spo- 
radic pleuro-pneumonia  in  milch  cows,  whereby,  with  a 
metmorphosis  far  outstripping  those  of  Puhlius  Ovidius 
JSfaso,  the  one  disease  was,  as  if  by  the  wand  of  the 
magician,  converted  at  once  into  that  of  another. 

Symptoms. — We  are  told  that  the  disease  has  its  period 
of  incubation,  varying  from  four  to  fourteen  days.  This 
is  simply  nonsense;  where  is  the  repeated  incubation  in 
cows  when  affected  with  pleuro-pneumonia  ?  No  where,  but 
in  the  minds  of  men  who  know  nothing  of  pathology. 
Is  incubation  to  be  taken  for  blindness,  and  ignorance  for 
science  and  education  ?  It  may  be  asserted,  with  equal 
truth  and  justice,  that  the  condemned  culprit,  or  rather 
suspended  animation^  has  its  period  of  incubation  from  the 
time  of  his  condemnation  to  death,  till  the  very  moment 
for  preparation  for  eternity,  however  long  that  may  be. 
The  weeping  eye,  the  acrid  drop  from  the  inner  corner  of 
the  nostrils,  together  with  slight  rough  sounds  from  the 
wind-pipe,  will  tell'  the  intelligent  and  scientific  observer 
that  something  is  wrong,  and  all  this  can  be  told  from 
twelve  to  twenty-four  hours  from  the  time  of  attack. 
Where,  then,  is  the  period  of  incubation  ?  The  echo  answers 
where  !  The  husky  cough,  with  dullness  and  prostration, 
follow  the  weeping  eye  and  nostril.  The  back  is  arched, 
appetite  and  rumiation  irregular,  the  rigor  and  the  chill 
will  tell  that  blood  poison  is  present,  and  suppuration  is 


TYPHUS    CONTAGIOSUS   BOUM.  357 

going  on  as  a  remedial  and  natural  measure,  to  get  rid  of 
the  foreign  or  poisonous  matter  which  is  in  the  blood. 
The  breathing  is  now  labored  and  the  heat  of  the  body  is 
variable,  the  skin  and  hair  are  now  looking  unhealthy, 
and  fever  is  high.  If  the  mouth  and  nose  be  examined 
eruptions  and  sores  will  be  seen,  and  these  sometimes  ex- 
tend to  the  feet.  All  of  those  symptoms  are  now  speedily 
followed  by  discharges  from  the  nose  and  eyes,  of  pus 
streaked  with  blood.  Salivation  and  diarrhoea  supervene, 
together  with  stupor,  and  with  all  the  phenomena  of  ap- 
proaching death.  Cows  heavy  in  calf  and  other  debili- 
tated animals  as  in  this  disease,  and  so  with  pleuro-pneu- 
monia  die  sooner,  and  do  not  bear  up  under  it  so  well  as 
animals  in  better  condition.  The  intelligent  and  careful 
reader  cannot  fail  to  see  several  prominent  and  important 
symptoms  common  alike  to  this  disease  and  epizootic 
pleuro-pnenmonia,  which  see. 

Treatment. — The  indications  of  treatment  are  at  once 
apparentfrom  the  nature,  symptoms  and  post-mortem, or  ap- 
pearances after  death.  All  taken  somatically  and  con- 
sidered, amount  to  this,  namely,  the  animal  is  affected  with 
fermentation  of  the  blood,  consequently  upon  inflamma- 
tion and  deterioration  of  the  fibrous  serous  tissue  of  the 
body,  accompanied  with  fever  of  a  typhus  type.  Then  the 
first  thing  to  be  done  is,  to  build  up  the  system  and  ar- 
rest fermentation  by  the  elimination  or  neutralization  of 
the  Zumin,  leaven,  or  ferment.  For  this  purpose  then,  we 
will  order  the  following  powder:  Powdered  carbonate  of 
ammonia,  one  ounce  ;  powdered  sulphate  of  iron  or  cop- 
per, three  drachms ;  powdered  gentian  root,  half  an  ounce; 
powdered  ginger  root,  half  an  ounce ;  mix  and  make  one 
dose,  and  give  one  dose  of  the  powder  morning  and  night. 
In  the  middle  of  the  day  give  one  ounce  of  sulphite  of 


358  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE. 

soda  daily.  Commercial  sulphuric  acid  to  be  given  in 
half  ounce  doses  by  weight,  once  to  twice  in  the  day  ; 
in  a  half  bucket  of  cold  water.  The  animal  to  be  fed  well 
and  generously,  but  not  by  any  means  to  arrest  digestion 
by  over  feeding.  Such  then  is  about  the  plan  I  would  re- 
commend for  the  cure  of  contagious  typhus  in  cattle ;  I 
would  add  however,  or  take  from,  just  as  the  indications 
appeared.  Thus  I  would  have  them  daily  inhale  for  an 
hour  sulphurous  acid  gas.  For  the  manner  of  using  it, 
see  Part  IL  of  the  book. 

The  treatment  here  offered  will  cure  a  major  part  of  all 
affected.  The  number  will  depend  upon  the  condition  of  the 
animals,  whether  they  are  cows  and  with  calf,  or  are  de- 
bilitated animals,  etc. 

English  Treatment. — Professor  Gamgee,  the  great  ve- 
terinarian says,  little  can  be  done  hejond  purging  the  ani- 
mal, etc.,  and  says  all  treatment  appears  futile.  The 
word  "appears"  Mr.  Gamgee,  implies  a  doubt;  scientific 
men  should  be  more  emphatic  and  particular  in  the  words 
used,  and  further,  it  conveys  the  idea  in  my  mind,  that  he 
speaks  of  the  experience  of  others,  and  not  of  himself.  If 
there  is  any  one  remedy  to  be  avoided  in  this  disease  of 
cattle  it  is  purging  or  physicing.  Will  a  dose  of  physic 
cure  blood  poison,  build  up  the  system,  and  arrest  typhus  ? 
The  person  who  says  so  is  not  fit  to  give  an  opinion  on  the 
subject.  Out  of  many  evils,  choose  that  which  is  the  least ; 
that  is,  restore  the  digestive  functions  with  carminitives 
and  tonics,  and  not  physic;  remove  the  cause  of  the  de- 
rangement, and  the  effects  will  cease,  and  do  not  take  the 
bull  by  the  horns,  or  beard  the  lion  in  his  den.  A  Mr. 
Dobson  devotes  nearly  ten  pages  to  the  subject,  and  winds 
up  with  the  following  words:  "We  trust  we  have  said 
enough  to  give  our  readers  a  fair  idea  of  the  nature  and 


TYPHUS  CONTAGIOSUS  BOUM.  359 

consequence  of  the  Rinderpest."  Mr.  Dobsonhasnot,  as 
he  thinks  he  has,  given  either  the  true  nature  or  pa- 
thology^ of  the  disease ;  and  has  not  gone  so  far  as  Mr. 
Gamgee,  for  he  has  not  even  hinted  so  much,  as  there  is 
a  dose  of  physic  in  existence.  In  so  far  as  this  article  of 
his  is  concerned,  he  has  proved  one  thing — that  a  man  can 
write  much  about  what  he  really  does  not  understand. 
The  treatment,  according  to  Mr.  Moor,  the  veterinary  ho- 
meopathist,  is  nearer  the  kind  of  treatment  than  any  English 
author  I  have  heard  of;  but  Mr.  Moor,  to  be  successful, 
will  have  to  throw  his  infinitismaU  to  the  dogs,  and 
increase  his  doses.  There  are  other  authors  of  less  note, 
but  all  follow  in  one  beaten  track,  from  which  there  seems 
to  be  no  variableness  nor  shadow  of  turning.  The  minds 
of  Englishmen  all  follow  in  one  direct  line  of  march,  and 
will  do  so  till  the  voice  of  some  one  will  be  heard,  as  did 
the  foolish  Galatians. 

Prevention. — As  has  already  been  stated,  it  is  a  conta- 
gious disease,  and  to  prevent  its  spread,  isolation,  or  sepa- 
ration will  have  to  be  adopted,  to  insure  immunity  to 
animals  not  affected. 

Epizootic  influenza  in  the  horse,  pleuro-pneumonia  in 
cattle,  took  twenty-one  years  to  travel  from  Europe  to 
the  United  States.  Now  whether  contagious  typhus  in 
cattle  will  follow  so  fixed  a  law  as  those  diseases  appear 
to  have  done,  we  may  expect  to  hear  of  it  about  1886. 
This  disease  broke  out  in  England,  in  June,  in  1865,  and 
in  one  year  it  destroyed  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand, 
eight  hundred  and  seventy  five  (250,875,)head  of  cattle, 
and  thirty-three  thousand,  two  hundred  and  thirty-five 
(33,235,)  recovered.  All  the  others  died,  or  were  killed  to 
prevent  contagion,  and  spread  of  the  disease.  To  enter 
into  a  history  of  this  disease  would  take  up  more  time 


360  DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 

and  space  than  can  be  afforded,  and  would  only  be  a 
rehearsal  of  what  is  recorded  in  the  1865  visitation  to 
England.  For  an  English  history  of  this  disease  in  all 
parts  of  the  world,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a  work  of 
six  to  seven  hundred  pages  by  Professor  Gamgee,  pub- 
lished in  London.  In  this  work  much  letter  press  is 
to  be  seen,  but  not  much  to  be  learned  from  it,  and  no 
such  views  as  I  have  here  presented,  are  even  hinted  at. 
Parliamentary  reports,  Order  from  Privy  Council,  letters, 
editorials  and  suggestions  contained  in  the  London 
Times,  together  with  the  reports  and  actions  of  the  In- 
ternational Veterinary  Congress,  held  on  the  Continent 
of  Europe,  go  to  make  up  this  large  book. 

Udder  Diseases. — (See  Garget.) 
Urine.— (See  Red  Water.) 

Vaginal  Catarrh. — A  disease  in  old  cows  a  few 
weeks  after  calving,  and  resembles,  and  is  treated  the 
same  as  Leucorrhoea.     (Which  see.) 

Varicella  Boum. — (See  Chicken  Pox.) 

Vertigo. — (See  Stomach  Staggers  and  Hoven.) 

Warbles. — The  product  of  the  oestrus  bovus,  or  ox 
fly,  from  having  deposited  its  ova  or  egg  in  the  skin.  It 
is  a  disease  of  the  summer  months,  and  is  characterized 
by  tumors  varying  in  size  from  a  grain  of  corn  to  that 
of  a  hickory  nut. 

Treatment. — Squeeze  the  tumor  and  the  larva  is 
forced  out,  which  puts  an  end  to  the  tumors. 


WOMB.  3gl 

Water  in  the  Chest.— (See  Pleuro-Pneumonia.) 

Whites.— (See  Leucorrhoea.) 

Worms.— (See  Hoose.) 

Womb.— (See  Falling  of  the  Womb.) 


PRIZE  ESSAY 


u  'Mmm^m 


ESSAY  ON  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 


The  following  was  tlie  Essay  for  wliicli  the  United 
States  Agricultural  Society  awarded  their  medal  and 
diploma,  in  the  year  1861,  to  Robert  McClure,  of  Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

The  diseases  of  sheep  which  are  laid  under  contribu- 
tion are : — First  Those  that  are  the  most  frequent  and 
destructive,  therefore  of  the  greatest  interest  and  con- 
cern to  the  sheep  farmer.  Second.  Those  to  which 
treatment  and  preventative  means  can  be  employed  with 
profit  and  success.  Third.  Those  that  their  pathology 
have  been  in  a  measure  or  entirely  misunderstood,  there- 
fore wrongly  treated,  and  preventative  measures  neg- 
lected or  misapplied.  Fourth.  These  diseases  will  em- 
brace a  large  number  of  maladies  that  have  been  treated 
of  separately  in  the  work  by  the  late  Wm.  Youatt  as  in- 
dependent affections,  when  literally  a  great  many  dis- 
eases alluded  to  by  this  indefatigible  writer  are  but 
different  degrees  and  conditions  of  the  same  morbid 
phenomena. 

Braxy-Enterites. — {Inflammation  of  the  Bowels,) — 
Inflammation  of  the  bowels  is  commonly  known  by  the 


366  DISEASES    OF    SHEEP. 

unmeaning  name  of  ^'Braxy."*  It  is  a  disease  of  more 
frequent  occurrence  among  this  class  of  useful  animals 
than  any  other  domestic  animal  I  know  of;  chiefly  affect- 
ing young  sheep  in  their  first  year,  in  cold  and  stormy 
weather,  in  exposed  situations.  It  is  not  unfrequently 
when  sheep  are  feeding  on  turnips  in  the  winter  season, 
to  find  in  the  morning  after  a  cold,  wet  night,  as  many 
as  a  dozen  out  of  a  few  score  dead,  dying,  or  afi"ected  by 
this  disease. 

The  symptoms  are:  the  sheep  will  be  observed  to  be 
very  restless ;  lying  and  rising ;  resting  on  one  side  and 
then  on  the  other*,  walking  up  and  down  as  if  looking 
for  a  place  to  lay  down,  but  can  find  no  place  to  suit. 

Treatment. — Give  castor  oil,  two  ounces;  calomel,  five 
grains;  laudanum,  two  drachms;  molasses,  two  ounces; 
beat  up  with  an  egg,  and  as  as  much  warm  water  as  will 
be  sufficient  for  a  small  drench,  to  be  poured  out  of  the 
stroupe  or  pipe  of  a  common  tea  or  005*60  pot ;  then  re- 
peat this  in  half  doses  every  six  hours. 

Prevention. — In  stormy  weather,  and  when  feeding 
turnips  where  they  are  generally  fenced  in  a  certain 
space,  remove  them  to  pasture  a  little  elevated,  and  as 
sheltered  as  possible  from  the  storm  until  the  weather 
improves,  and  the  turnip  or  other  fields  become  drier; 
place  common  or  rock  salt  in  covered  troughs,  which  will 
tend  to  keep  their  bowels  open ;  as  salt  is  a  good  laxative 
for  cattle  and  sheep. 


*As  sheep  affected  by  this  disease  are  generally  on  the  turnip  field, 
and  in  good  condition ;  if  so,  and  the  animal  very  sick  never  attempt 
to  cure;  as  in  most  cases  death  will  take  place  before  medical  agents 
(be  they  ever  so  well  directed)  can  take  effect.  Therefore  it  will  be 
the  better  plan  to  cut  the  neck,  letting  out  the  blood,  thereby  saving 
time  and  trouble,  and  preserving  the  mutton  in  good  order. 


HYDROCEPHALUS.  367 

DiarrhOBa.  —  Treatment.  —  Powdered  opium,  two 
grains;  powdered  gentian  and  powdered  ginger,  one 
drachm  each:  mix.  To  be  given  in  an  infusion  of  lin- 
seed, and  repeated  if  necessary. 

Hydrocephalus  Hydatideus,  Sturdy,  etc. — I  am 

pleased  to  think  that  some  addition  has  been  made  of  late 
to  the  stock  of  veterinary  knowledge  as  regards  the  use- 
ful animals,  and  I  trust  that  the  time  is  proximate  when 
the  good  sense  of  the  American  farmers  will  demand  that 
a  knowledge  of  the  diseases  and  general  management  of 
sheep  shall  form  a  prominent  feature  in  the  education  of 
the  veterinary  surgeon. 

Sturdy  is  a  singular  disease,  a  very  prevalent  and  fatal 
one,  if  left  to  run  its  course ;  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  in 
France  alone,  no  less  than  one  million  sheep  die  yearly, 
or  are  destroyed  by  this  pest  of  the  ovine  race.  The 
symptoms  by  which  this  disease  is  accompanied  are  as 
follows :  In  the  commencement,  the  animals  will  be  ob- 
served to  stop  in  the  midst  of  their  grazing,  and  then  start 
away  in  a  gallop  over  the  field.  They  seem  at  times  to 
be  utterly  unconscious  where  they  are,  separating  them- 
selves from  the  rest  of  the  herd.  By-and-by  they  become 
dull,  and  have  a  peculiar  staggering  gait.  If  there  is  a 
brook  or  rivulet  within  their  reach,  you  are  almost  sure  to 
find  them  standing  by  it,  apparently  becoming  giddy,  not 
unfrequently  tumbling  in,  and  are  thus  lost.  They  lose 
flesh,  the  countenance  becomes  haggard,  and  subsequently, 
the  animals  thus  affected  commence  a  rotary  motion,  going 
round  and  round  in  the  same  directions,  with  the  head  in- 
clined to  the  same  side  of  the  body.  Now  it  almost  ceases 
to  feed  or  ruminate,  as  it  cannot  restrain  the  rotary  mo- 


368  DISEASES    OF    SHEEP. 

tions,  and  is  becoming  rapidly  blind.     Deatb  generally 
ensues  from  starvation. 

Veterinary  writers  and  agriculturists  have  differed  very 
materially  as  to  the  cause  of  hydatid,  some  attributing  it 
to  certain  poisonous  plants;  but  these  have  never  been 
pointed  out.  Others  consider  it  a  species  of  serous  apo- 
plexy, and  others  contend  that  it  arises  from  local  weak- 
ness of  the  brain,  etc.,  etc.  Autopsical  examinations 
have,  however,  proved  it  to  arise  from  a  different  cause, 
viz :  Ccenurias  cerebralis,  or  hydatid  in  the  brain,  found 
floating  in  a  serious  fluid,  contained  within  a  sac  or 
bladder,  thus  constituting  Sturdy,  Gid,  Turnsick,  etc. 
It  attacks  sheep  from  the  sixth  to  the  eighteenth 
month. 

*  "  Certainly''  the  most  common  cause  consists  in  the 
lamb  or  young  sheep  picking  from  the  pastures  the  ova  or 
larvse  of  the  toenia  solium^  which  infests  the  shepherd's  dog. 
If  Echinococcus,  polymorphus  or  vetrinorium,  be  swal- 
lowed by  the  dog,  they  are  developed  into  that  of  tape- 
worm, with  but  few  serrations.  The  minute  ova  are 
gathered  and  swallowed  with  the  food  of  the  sheep  oi* 
lamb,  and  are  taken  up  from  the  surface  of  the  intestines. 
They  find  their  way  into  the  blood,  and  finding  a  con- 
venient nidus  among  the  loose  textures  of  the  brain,  are 
there  deposited.  Nature  sets  to  work  and  encloses  these 
foreign  bodies  in  a  membranous  sac,  so  that  otherwise  they 
may  not  produce  fatal  consequences,  and  in  the  short 
period  of  three  months  they  are  found  to  have  reached 
the  size  of  a  filbert. 

The  larvae  of  the  distomum  hepaticum  found  inhabiting 


*Findlay  Dun. 


HYDROCEPHALUS.  369 

the  biliary  ducts  of  the  ox,  sheep,  and  goat,  if  swallowed 
by  young  sheep,  generate  the  hydatids  or  Sturdy. 

Conversely,  if  these  hytatids  are  swallowed  by  the  dog, 
they  are  developed  into  tape-worms.  Hydatids  may  be 
prevented  in  sheep  by  curing  or  preventing  tape-worms  in 
other  animals,  especially  the  dog.  As  before  mentioned, 
hydatids  only  affect  young  sheep,  and  spring  from  the 
ova  of  the  taenia.  Herds  managed  without  dogs  are  found 
to  be  quite  free  from  the  disease;  however,  dogs  may  be 
used  with  impunity  when  the  sheep  are  upwards  of 
eighteen  months  old. 

Treatment. — (The  following  is  from  the  Farmer  and 
Gardener,  by  the  present  writer.) — The  treatment  of  this 
infection,  until  lately,  has  been  varied,  barbarous,  and 
cruel;  one  practising  and  recommending  the  cutting  and 
pulling  out  the  ears,  and  another  of  hunting  the  poor  ani- 
mals with  dogs,  and,  if  possible,  running  them  over  some 
precipice,  frequently  maiming  or  killing  them.  A  strong 
knitting-needle  forced  up  the  nostrils  has  long  been  used, 
with  occasional  success;  but  a  small  case  of  instruments, 
consisting  of  four  pieces,  is  much  better  and  safer,  and, 
if  properly  used,  will  cure  from  seventy  to  eighty  sheep  out 
of  a  hundred  thus  affected,  and  can  be  used  by  any  intel- 
ligent shepherd  or  farmer  with  perfect  safety.  In  ope- 
rating, observe  carefully  the  side  to  which  the  sheep  turns, 
as  it  invariably  turns  to  the  side  of  the  skull  which  is 
affected,  and  which  must  be  first  operated  upon.  Secure 
and  tie  fast  all  the  four  feet,  and  place  the  animal  on  a 
table.  Let  your  assistant  sit  down  on  the  end  of  the  table. 
Clip  away  all  wool  from  the  brow,  sides,  and  crown  of  the 
head.  Ascertain  by  the  fingers,  if  the  skull  yields  on 
pressure  at  any  particular  spot  on  the  side  to  which  the 
sheep  turned :  if  so,   shave  the  wool  from  the  soft  part. 

23 


370  DISEASES   OF   SHEEP. 

Use  first  the  instrument  with  the  adjusting  screw,  its  use 
being  to  prepare  for  the  other,  it  being  made  a  little  wider 
than  the  trocar,  with  canula,  so  that  the  silver  may  not 
be  broken  in  piercing  the  bone.  Care,  however,  must  be 
taken  to  stop  when  the  point  is  fairly  through  the  skull: 
this  is  easily  ascertained.  The  guard  must  then  be 
screwed  back.  This  done,  take  it  out  and  insert  the 
trocar  and  canula  in  the  same  hole,  until  past  the  split  in 
the  silver  canula;  then  withdraw  the  trocar,  leaving  the 
canula  sticking  in  the  head,  when  the  water  will  be  forced 
from  the  hydatid,  showing  that  it  has  been  pierced.  Put 
the  point  of  the  syringe  into  the  canula,  and  draw  out  re- 
peatedly, emptying  each  time  until  no  more  water  will 
come  out,  or  the  cyst,  has  been  drawn  into  the  canula, 
which  now  withdraw,  taking  care  that  the  skin  of  the 
hydatid  be  caught  hold  of  by  the  forceps,  which  the  ope- 
rator should  have  ready  in  his  hand.  Having  removed 
the  hydatid,  leave  the  mouth  of  the  wound  open,  only 
placing  a  piece  of  clean  rag  as  a  pledget  over*  it,  as  water 
will  escape  for  a  day  or  two.  Put  on  the  angular  hood  to 
keep  the  cloth  and  padding  in  their  place,  and  secure  it 
by  worsted  ties.  Care  must  be  taken,  if  the  sheep  has  not 
been  able  to  eat  for  some  days,  that  it  get  a  bottle  of 
gruel  before  operating,  as  the  less  disturbance  it  is  sub- 
jected to  for  some  hours  after  the  operation  the  better,  as 
the  brain  takes  a  little  time  to  adjust  itself  to  the  cavity 
that  has  been  made  by  the  removal  of  the  hydatid. 
Neither  must  the  sheep  be  put  on  too  rich  pasture,  as  on 
recovering  they  are  apt  to  take  too  much  food,  which  may 
cause  inflammation  in  the  head.  Mark  well  the  side  that 
has  been  operated  on,  as  it  very  frequently  happens  that 
there  are  more  hydatids  than  one.  In  a  week  or  two,  if 
the  sheep  be  observed  turning  to  the  opposite  side,  secure 


LOUPING   ILL.  371 

it  a  second  time,  and  proceed  as  before.  There  are  occa- 
sionally more  than  one  or  two  in  the  same  subject  and  at 
the  same  time ;  indeed  I  have  known  as  many  as  five,  and 
not  one  of  them  less  in  size  than  the  yolk  of  an  egg;  but 
two  are  quite  common,  one  on  each  side  of  the  brain,  nearly 
under  the  seat  of  the  horn.  Occasionally  there  is  one 
behind  the  first  lobe  of  the  brain,  which  is  also  easily 
taken  out. 

Louping  111. —  {Tales  Borsalis.) — {Phrenitis^  —  In 
every  day  language^  this  is  properly  called  inflammation 
of  the  brain.  Youatt,  in  his  work  on  sheep,  has  been 
at  the  trouble  to  write  out  no  less  than  six  different  dis- 
eases, all  of  w^hich  might  have  been  treated  under  this 
head,  which  are  essentially  the  same  in  character,  cause, 
and  effect.  It  is  characterized  by  extreme  dulness,  fol- 
lowed by  excitement  and  madness.  In  horses,  these 
symptoms  continue  for  about  two  days ;  but  in  cattle  and 
sheep,  much  longer.  The  seat  of  the  disease  is  the  pia 
matter^  or  the  vascular  internal  membrane  of  the  brain, 
w^hich  is  found  after  death  rough  and  yellow,  with  extra- 
vased  lymph  and  serum  at  the  base  of  the  brain. 

Treatrtient. — Give  Croton  oil,  6  drops ;  Sirup  of  gin- 
ger, 1  tablespoonful ;  in  a  little  gruel,  so  thin  as  it  will 
run  from  the  teapot.  Apply  cold  water  or  ice  to  the 
head,  and  see  that  the  poor  animal  does  not  hurt  itself 
against  the  wall  or  fence. 

The  causes  of  this  disease  ^re  the  result  of  injury  to 
the  head ;  but  it  also  arises  from  other  causes  besides 
external  injury — the  principal,  exposure  to  cold,  or  a 
powerful  sun  in  an  exposed  situation.  But  the  most  com- 
mon causes  are  the  eating  from  the  pasture  poisoning 
plant,  or  weeds,  as  the  Atropa  belladonna,  (deadly 
nightshade,)    Conium    maculatum,    (common    hemlock,) 


372  DISEASES   OF   SHEEP. 

Cicuta  virosa,  (water  hemlock,)  Delphinium  staphysagria, 
(stavesacre,)  Felis  foeomina,  (female  fern ;)  all  of  which, 
if  taken  in  sufficient  quantity,  will  produce  disease  in  the 
brain.  I  could  easily  swell  the  list  of  poisonous  plants, 
but  it  is  not  my  intention  to  enter  into  that  which  is 
unnecessary. 

Paronychia  Ovium. — {Foot  Root) — This  disease 
has  been  more  prevalent  these  last  thirty  years  than 
heretofore,  which  is  accountable  for  in  the  varieties 
and  breeds  of  sheep  and  in  the  increasing  number ;  so 
much  so,  that  farmers  cannot  find  highland  pasture  suf- 
ficient for  them,  so  they  are  brought  down  and  put  on 
moist  lowland  pasture,  where  the  sheep  can  find  plenty 
of  food  without  travelling  much;  hence,  the  growth  of 
horn  is  more  than  the  wear,  or  the  supply  more  than  tho 
demand;  subsequently  the  horn  becomes  over-grown  and 
turns  upon  the  sole,  and  bruising  the  sensitive  structures, 
earth  and  sand  soon  find  their  way  into-  th«  cavities  pro- 
duced, causing  inflammation  of  the  laminae,  lameness, 
and  secretion  of  fetid  pus. 

Causes. — As  before  stated,  it  results  from  an  increased 
supply  of  horn  which  turns  up  from  the  toe,  pressing 
upon  and  irritating  the  sensitive  structures  of  the  foot. 

This  affection  of  the  feet  is  almost  certain  to  follow 
the  removal  of  heavy  bred  sheep,  such  as  the  black-faced 
Cheviot  and  Southdown,  from  their  native  and  upland 
pastures  to  rich  meadow  and  arable  lands.  Their  native 
walks  being  rough  and  rugged — ^the  grass  not  so  plenty, 
which  insure  the  sheep  walking  over  a  large  tract  of  land 
in  order  to  procure  their  food — hence  the  waste  and 
supply  of  hoof  is  balanced. 

Treatment — Whenever  the  sheep  is  observed  to  go 
lame  it  must  be  cauorht  and  the  feet  examined.     Remove 


PNEUMONIA.  373 

all  filth  and  sand ;  then  cut  off  every  loose  and  unsound 
portion  of  horn  with  a  stout  pocket  knife,  and  apply  the 
following  to  the  sore  parts:  Oil  of  turpentine,  two 
ounces ;  sulphuric  acid,  half  an  ounce ;  olive  oil,  one 
ounce.  Mix.  To  be  applied  with  a  small  piece  of 
sponge  or  cloth  on  the  end  of  a  stick ;  or  a  goose  feather 
will  answer  very  well.  If  sores  occur  on  the  digital 
space  (divisions)  or  elsewhere,  they  should  be  touched 
with  nitric  acid  or  a  little  of  the  old  butter  of  antimony, 
(tercholide  of  antimony,)  by  means  of  a  feather.  These 
appliances  should  be  continued  twice  weekly,  or  as  often 
as  is  necessary,  until  amendment  takes  place. 

Prevention, — To  prevent  this  disease,  the  growth  of 
horn  must  be  kept  down ;  and  if  the  sheep  are  on  soft 
land,  they  must  be  examined  every  month,  and  superflu- 
ous horn  must  be  cut  off.  Some  sheph-^rds  advocate 
driving  along  a  hard  road  to  wear  the  hoofs;  I  do  not 
recommend  such  a  course,  as  it  does  sheep  a  great  deal 
of  harm.  The  better  way  is  to  drive  them  into  a  sheep- 
fold  and  examine  their  feet. 

Draining  and  liming  the  land  very  often  puts  a  stop  to 
foot-rot ;  the  drainage  to  harden  and  dry  the  land,  the 
liming  to  remove  the  soft  mossy  herbage  which  is  a  great 
cause  of  foot-rot  in  sheep.  Foot-rot  in  sheep  is  not  con- 
tagious; but  foot-rot  in  cattle,  occuring  in  connexion 
with  murrian  or  vesicular  epizootic,  is  deadly  contagious. 

Pneumonia.  —  Treatment.  —  Nitre,  one  drachm ; 
digitalis,  twenty  grains ;  tartar  emetic,  twenty  grains : 
mix.  To  be  given  in  linseed  tea,  once  per  day  in  inflam- 
mation of  the  lungs,  common  cold  accompanied  w^ith 
fever,  or  any  disease,  that  is  necessary  to  arrest  the  in- 
ordinate action  of  the  heart. 


374  DISEASES    OF    SHEEP. 

Psora,  Scabies. — {Scab.) — When  a  sheep  or  flock  of 
sheep  are  aff'ected  with  scab,  which  is  easily  known  by 
their  continual  standing  by  the  fence  and  rubbing  posts, 
scratching,  and  tearing  the  wool  off  their  back  and  sides, 
they  will  scarcely  ever  be  seen  grazing  or  lying  down 
quietly  and  remasticating  their  food,  as  is  the  case  with 
sheep  in  perfect  health.  This  disease  in  sheep  is  the 
same  as  mange,  in  horses,  dogs  and  cattle;  and  which 
result  from  the  attacks  of  minute  insects;  or,  mites 
(acari)  burrowing  in  the  skin,  producing  great  irritation 
and  itching,  and  the  eruption  of  small  pimples,  with  dry- 
ness, scurfiness  and  baldness  of  the  skin.  This  disease 
is  contagious;  therefore,  to  prevent  the  spread  of  the  in- 
fection, the  healthy  must  be  separated  from  the  dis- 
eased. Keeping  sheep  clean,  and  occasionally  washing  in 
the  summer  season,  in  a  great  measure  prevents  a  suita- 
ble nidus  for  the  acari,  and  diminishes  the'  prevalence  of 
scab.  Before  putting  healthy  sheep  on  the  same  pas- 
ture, it  will  be  necessary  to  wash  all  the  rubbing  posts 
with  the  solution  of  the  chloride,  or  common  lime,  which 
will  lit^ally  burn  up  the  virus.  To  make  the  impossibi- 
lity of  infection  doubly  sure  (neat  cattle  and  cows  are  as 
liable  to  take  it  as  sheep)  would  be  to  take  a  crop  of  hay 
or  turn  it  over  for  a  crop  of  corn,  or  any  other  purpose. 

Treatment. — The  object  to  be  attained  in  curing  this 
disease  is  the  destruction  of  the  acari,  which  is  necessa- 
rily the  same  in  all  animals,  but  in  sheep  the  material 
used  must  be  in  a  fluid  form,  so  as  to  penetrate  the  wool. 

The  following  is  both  an  excellent  cure  and  preven- 
tive of  scab  in  sheep : — M.  Acid  Arseiiiosi,  Ibij  ;  Sulph. 
Ferri,  lb.  ccv ;  Aquse,  cong.  Ixv.  Traiislation. — Powdered 
arsenious  acid,  two  pounds;  sulphate  of  iron,  two  hun- 
dred and  five  pounds;   water,  sixty-five   gallons:    mix. 


PSORA    SCABIES.  375 

Boil  until  the  fluid  is  reduced  to  one-third,  and  then  add 
as  much  water  as  has  been  lost  by  evaporation.  This 
preparation  is  the  celebrated  ''Bain  de  Tessier,"  so 
highly  prized  in  France.  The  following  will  answer  the 
same  purpose,  which  will  not  stain  the  wool,  as  it  contains 
no  sulphate  of  iron,  and  will,  no  doubt,  be  preferred  by 
many  to  the  preceding  one  on  that  account.  Arsenious 
Acid,  2  pounds;  Sulphate  of  Zinc,  10  pounds;  Water, 
60  gallons:  mix.  Prepare  as  the  foregoing  one.  Each 
of  these  valuable  sheep-dipping  mixtures  are  sufficient  to 
cure  and  dip  one  hundredsheep. 

The  way  sheep-dipping  mixtures  are  sometimes  used  is 
far  wrong,  as  was  the  case  of  the  celebrated  sheep-poi- 
soning case  at  Burton,  England,  where  the  animals  were 
driven,  immediately  after  their  bath,  containing  twenty 
ounces  of  arsenic,  twenty  ounces  of  soda-ash,  two  ounces 
of  sulphur,  to  their  pasture,  with  their  wool  saturated 
with  it,  and  consequently  dripping  from  the  wool  on  the 
grass  that  the  sheep  were  just  eating. 

The  improved  plan  in  dipping  sheep  are,  First,  The 
solution  or  the  mixture  is  to  be  put  in  a  tub,  or  other 
vessel,  sufficiently  large  to  allow  the  sheep  (except  the 
head)  to  be  immersed  in  it,  without  the  mixture  running 
over  the  sides  of  the  tub  or  vessel.  Second.  When  the 
sheep  is  taken  out,  it  must  be  placed  in  another  tub  or 
vessel,  and  the  liquid  pressed  from  the  wool,  and  returned 
again  into  the  dipping  vessel.  TJiird,  The  sheep  must 
be  kept  enclosed  in  a  sheep-fold,  or  other  sufficiently  airy 
place,  where  there  is  no  food  of  any  kind  that  a  sheep 
will  eat,  until  the  wool  is  perfectly  dry. 

Several  of  the  veterinary  professors  of  the  Edinburgh 
veterinary  colleges,  after  this  sheep-poisoning  case  oc- 


376  DISEASES    OF    SHEEP. 

curred,  instituted  a  series  of  experiments  to  prove  whe- 
ther arsenical  baths  were  dangerous,  and  if  sheep  could 
be  poisoned  by  immersion  therein.  The  following  is  the 
result  of  their  experience.  (Edinburgh  Veterinary  Re- 
view for  April,  1859.) 

First.  That  the  immersion  of  sheep  whether  sound,  or 
si:ffering  from  scab,  with  extensive  eruptions  or  ^'foot- 
rot,''  with  free  exposure  of  the  vascular  structure  of  the 
feet,  in  arsenical  solutions,  varying  in  strength,  is  unat- 
tended by  prejudicial  effects,  and  proves  salutary  to  the 
diseased  animals. 

Secondly.  That  the  congregating  of  sheep  after  dip- 
ping, where  food  is  not  allowed  them,  is  unattended  with 
danger;  and  I  can  distinctly  testify  to  the  absence  of  all 
risk  from*  sheep  licking  each  other. 

Thirdly.  That  all  sheep  having  remained  damp  from 
twenty-four  to  thirty-six  hours  after  being  dipped,  cuta- 
neous absorption  of  arsenical  solution  might  have  been 
going  on  rapidly  during  the  prolonged  period  that  the 
sheep  continued  wet,  but  no  unfavorable  symptoms  en- 
sued,— indeed  the  reverse. 

Fourthly.  The  absence  of  the  slightest  change  in 
health,  or  of  the  manifestation  of  symptoms  which  usual- 
ly ensue  on  the  administration  of  arsenic  to  the  lower 
animals,  even  in  medicinal  doses  by  the  mouth,  leads  us 
to  infer  that  if  a  minute  quantity  of  arsenic,  in  solution, 
can  penetrate  the  system  of  a  sheep  by  absorption  by  the 
skin,  it  is  quite  insufficient  to  develop  the  physiological 
action  of  the  compound. 

Fifthly.  A  solution  of  arsenic  is  not  more  readily  ab- 
sorbed from  limited  abraded  surfaces  than  from  the 
healthy  skin,  owing  probably  to  the  arsenic  acting  as  an 
astringent  on  the  sores,  and  rendering  the  latter  as  im- 


ROT.  377 

penetrable,  jprolaUy,  as  the  uninjured  skin.    This  remark 
does  not  apply  to  large  wounds. 

SixtUy.  It  appears  impossible  to  poison  sheep  hy  bath- 
ing them  in  arsenical  solutions,  provided  the  liquor  is  not 
introduced  directly  or  indirectly  into  the  stomach  by  the 
mouth.  By  the  direct  means  of  introduction  of  the  con- 
stituents of  a  '^dripping  mixture"  in  the  stomach  of  a 
sheep,  IS  meant  making  the  sheep  swallow  the  liquid 
whilst  being  bathed;  and  by  the  indirect  means  is  im- 
plied the  penetration  of  arsenical  solution  into  the  sto- 
mach by  food  poisoned  by  the  liquid  dropping  from  the 
bodies  of  the  sheep,  the  wool  of  which  has  not  been 
pressed,  or  from  a  number  of  sheep  injudiciously  con- 
gregated over  food  they  subsequently  eat. 

Seventhly.  Arsenical  solutions,  whether  weaker  than 
ordinary  dipping  mixtures,  or  much  stronger,  are  like- 
wise incapable  of  being  absorbed  by  the  skin  of  sheep  or 
man. 

Eighthly.  Sheep  will  partake  of  grass  and  other  food 
which  has  been  smeared  or  soaked  with  an  arsenical  so- 
lution, notwithstanding  the  presence  of  soft  soap  and 
soda. 

Arsenical  baths  and  mixtures  are  not  only  used  for 
the  cure  and  prevention  of  scab,  but  are  the  most  highly, 
and,  I  think,  justly  valued  preservatives  of  the  fleece  of 
sheep,  and  is  a  protection  to  the  propagation  of  many 
parasites. 

Rot— Cachexia  Aquosa.— (C%^rom.)— The  very 
name  of  this  disease  is  a  terror  to  many  sheep  farmers 
who  have  suffered  and  lost  so  much  by  it.  It  is  so  de- 
structive  amongst  sheep  that  it  is  estimated  that  in  the 
rainy  winter  of  1829-30  two  million  sheep  died  or  were 
destroyed  by  this   disease  alone.     It  again  made  its  ap- 


378  DISEASES   OF   SHEEP". 

pearance  in  Great  Britain  the  very  wet  years  1852-53. 
The  symptoms  by  which  this  disease  can  be  detected  in 
its  early  stage  are  very  latent;  but  if  there  are  suspi- 
cions of  this  disease  it  can  readily  be  detected  by  the 
color  of  the  mucous  membranes ;  as  the  fauces  of  the 
mouth;  the  appendages  of  the  eye  being  of  a  pale  yel- 
low; the  animal  costive  and  the  urine  of  a  high  color, 
thus  indicating  disease  of  the  liver.  As  the  disease  is 
more  advanced  there  is  little  difficulty  in  coming  to  a 
true  and  proper  diagnosis  of  the  case,  as  all  the  muscu- 
lar fibre  assumes  a  uniform  yellow  brown  color,  and  the 
wool  has  a  matted  and  dry  appearance,  and  subsequent- 
ly the  muscles  waste  and  digestion  is  impaired,  and  at 
length  the  animal  dies  in  from  two  to  four  months. 
Where  a  flock  of  sheep  do  not  thrive  and  acquire  fat 
and  flesh  on  good  feed  and  pasture,  why,  something  must 
be  wrong,  and  the  sooner  it  is  found  out  the  better,  as  they 
may  have  acquired  the  disease  before  they  were  bought. 
The  better  way  would  be  to  have  one  of  the  worst  ones 
brought  in  and  destroyed,  and  then  have  a  thorough 
examination,  which  will  set  every  thing  to  rest,  and  point 
out  the  line  of  duty  which  is  open  to  be  pursued  in  the 
treatment  and  prevention  of  the  disease  ere  it  be  too 
late  to  then  do  good. 

It  is  very  frequent  in  wet  seasons,  and  in  wet  and  un- 
drained  lands.  It  is  characterized  by  an  enlarged  and 
softened  condition  of  the  liver,  and  accumulation  of  the 
common  fluke  (distomum  hepaticum,)  in  the  biliary  duots 
and  gall  bladder. 

Post-mortem  appearances  show  most  clearly  that  the 
nature  and  extent  of  the  disease,  as  before  mentioned, 
will  be  found  a  large  number  of  these  flukes  in  the  liver 
and  that  organ  very  much  enlarged,  soft,  and  flabby; 


ROT.  379 

the  bile  and  all  the  serous  fluids  of  a  yellow  color,  and, 
on  account  of  the  debilitating  nature  of  the  disease,  a 
large  quantity  of  the  exudative  matter  is  found  in  the 
belly  and  chest.  There  is  one  appearance  that  will  never 
deceive:  the  liver  is  not  of  that  pale  and  I  would  say 
cooked  appearance  which  is  usually  presented  after  ordi- 
nary "Hepatitis,"  but  in  most  cases  all  covered  with 
livid  spots  not  unlike  the  mottled  appearance  of  the  lungs 
of  cattle  that  have  died  of  epizootic  pleuro-pneumonia. 
In  a  word,  the  liver  is  the  only  true  seat  of  this  disease. 

Cause. — The  cause  of  this  disease,  until  lately,  was 
often  a  surmise  and  supposition.  Then  the  question 
arose  why  it  has  been  a  precept  with  careful  shepherds 
not  to  let  the  sheep  graze  on  dewy  grass,  or  wet  and 
marshy  land  ?  Why  the  dew  and  wet  land  was  consid- 
ered so  dangerous  none  could  tell,  and  least  of  all  the 
bucolic  guardian.  Although  unable  to  give  a  reason 
why,  he  could  aver  and  prove  that  it  was  so.  The 
rational  is,  that  many  creatures  pass  the  early  portion  of 
their  predatory  existence  in  the  bodies  of  one  species  of 
animal,  and  their  maturity  in  another.  Their  eggs  are 
deposited  in  the  former,  but  are  not  developed  until  ex- 
pelled and  cast  upon  the  earth  or  manure-heap  to  shift 
for  themselves. 

They  lie  on  the  smoking  dung-pile  or  such  places, 
and  far  away  from  the  sheep,  in  which  they  can  find  food 
and  develop  themselves.  The  rain  washes  them  into  the 
earth,  or  they  are  carried  to  the  fields  with  the  manure. 
The  humidity  serves  to  develop  them:  they  fix  them- 
selves upon  the  moist  grass,  and  with  it  these  tiny  eno- 
tozoa  are  carried  into  the  stomachs  of  the  sheep.  Once 
there,  their  work  is  soon  accomplished. 

Treatment. — The  successful  treatment  of  this  disease 


380  DISEASES   OF    SHEEP. 

embraces  that  of  prevention  also,  as  before  mentioned: 
it  is  chiefly  caused  by  wet  and  damp  pasture  lands — 
hence  the  proposition  for  their  restoration  will  be,  First, 
their  removal  to  a  high  and  healthy  pasture,  and  give 
them  hay  and  nourishing  food,  such  as  a  little  bruised 
oil  cake;  or  linseed-meal,  and  place  covered  troughs  in 
the  field  containing  rock,  or  common  salt,  of  which  the 
sheep  is  very  fond  of  licking,  and  moreover  regulates 
their  bowels,  and  gives  them  an  appetite  for  food 
and  water.  Second,  give  each  sheep  epsom  salts,  two 
ounces;  oil  of  turpentine,  one  ounce;  pulverized  ginger, 
half  an  ounce.  To  be  given  in  half  a  pint  of  molasses- 
water,  to  be  followed  up  with  tonics,  if  they  are  found 
necessary.  The  following  will  answer  every  good  pur- 
pose:  Sulphate  of  iron,  in  powder,  ten  grains;  gentian, 
in  powder,  thirty  grains ;  ginger,  in  powder,  thirty 
grains.  To  be  given  in  linseed-meal  gruel  once  a  day 
for  a  few  days.  It  is  the  experience  of  almost  every 
sheep-farmer,  and  sometimes  too  dearly  bought,  that  to 
place  sheep  on  wet  and  marshy  land,  even  for  a  few  days, 
is  certain  to  generate  this  disease,  notwithstanding  the 
animals  may  have  been  in  perfect  health  prior  to  his 
placing  them  there.  Before  placing  sheep  on  pasture 
where  there  is  access  to  any  bog  or  marsh  it  will  amply 
repay  the  time  and  trouble  to  fence  it  in;  or  have  suffi- 
cient sheep- drains  opened  through  it  six  months  before 
any  sheep  should  be  put  on  it. 

Sheep-drains  are  wide,  and  not  filled  up  with  tiles  or 
stones,  but  left  open.  The  shepherd  can  find  time  to 
keep  both  the  sheep  in  order,  and  the  drains  clean  of 
rubbish,  except  in  the  lambing  and  clipping  season. 

Small-Pox. —  Variola  Ovina. — Fortunately  this  dis- 
ease has  as  yet  been  confined  to  Europe,  and  more  espe- 


SMALL-POX.  381 

ciallj  the  continental  portion,  where  it  may  be  said  to  be 
never  absent.     In  France  and  Italy  it  occurs  frequently, 
and   causes  much   loss    and   destruction.     England  was 
visited  with  it  in  184T,  when  it  was  communicated  to  a 
flock  at  Datchett,  and  another  at  Pinnar,  by  some  Merinoes 
from  Spain.     In  1862  it  again  occurred,  but  this  time 
very  suddenly,    and  in  a  very  severe  form  among    the 
flocks   of  Wiltshire;  for  which  re-appearance  neither  in- 
fection nor  traceable  contagion  could  be  assigned  as  the 
cause.     The  light  shed  upon  it  would  appear  to  be  an 
instance  of  origination  anew  of  a  more  malignant  type  of 
variola  ovina.     Such  is,  in  fact,  assigned  to  this  disease 
m   Africa,   it   being  well  established   that  certain  inju- 
rious   atmospheric  influences  produce  skin  diseases  and 
facilitate  the  appearance  of  pustular   eruptions.     From 
the  nature  of  the  disease  in  its  being  produced  both  by 
atmospheric  causes  and  contagion,  it  soon  assumes  an  epi- 
zootic form,  and  causes  more  destruction  than  any  other 
malady  aff'ecting  this  useful  animal.     Out  of  a  flock  of 
1720,  ninety-two  were  attacked  in  a  natural  way,  of  which 
fifty  per  cent.  died.     Of  eight  hundred  inoculated  cases, 
only  thirty-six  per  cent.  died.     The  mortality  from  this 
disease  is  never  less  than  twenty-five  per  cent,  and  not 
unfrequently  whole  flocks  have   been  swept  away,  death 
taking  place  in  the  early  stages  of  the  eruption,  and  others 
in  suppurative  and  ulcerative  stages. 

Si/mptoms.—Thej  may  be  mapped  out  as  follows: 
The  animal  is  seized  with  a  shivering  fit,  succeeded  by  a 
dull  stupidity,  which  remains  till  death  or  recovery  takes 
place.  On  the  second  or  third  day  pimples  are  seen  on 
the  inside  of  the  thighs  and  arm-pits,  accompanied  with 
redness  of  the  eyes,  complete  loss  of  appetite  and  other 


382  DISEASES    OF    SHEEP. 

symptoms  which  are  common  toother  diseases  of  the  same 
animal. 

Prevention. — Two  plans  are  resorted  to  for  the  purpose 
of  preventing  the  spread  of  the  affection,  which  promise  a 
certainty  of  success.  The  first  and  best  plan  is,  isolation 
and  destruction.  This  plan  proved  a  great  protection  to 
the  sheep  farmers  of  Wiltshire  in  1862.  In  well  known 
epizootic  diseases,  and  when  individual  cases  occur  which 
when  pointed  out  and  well  recognized,  as  soon  as  the 
fever  sets  in,  and  before  the  eruptions  appear,  they 
should  be  slaughtered  at  once  and  buried.  The  loss 
of  one  or  two  sheep  is  nothing  to  the  consequences  of  the 
spread  of  a  disease  of  this  kind.  By  doing  so  the  disease  has 
been  known  to  be  confined  to  a  few  cases  in  a  large  flock. 

Treatment. — In  treating  this  disease,  resort  has  been 
had  to  a  plant  called  sarracenia  purpura^  Indian  cup,  or 
pitcher  plant,  and  used  for  treating  this  disease  in  man 
by  the  Micmac  tribe  of  Indians  in  British  North  Ame- 
rica. (See  Medicines  in  Part  II.  of  the  book.)  Take 
from  one  to  two  ounces  of  the  root,  (dried  if  to  be  had) 
and  slice  it  in  thin  pieces ;  place  in  an  earthen  pot ;  add 
a  quart  of  cold  water,  and  allow  the  liquid  to  simmer 
gently  over  a  slow,  steady  fire  from  two  to  three  hours, 
so  as  to  lose  one-fourth  of  the  quantity.  Give  of  this 
tea  or  decoction  three  wine-glassfuls  at  once,  and  the 
same  quantity  from  four  to  six  hours  after,  when  a  cure 
will  generally  be  effected.  Weaker  and  smaller  doses 
are  certain  preventives  of  small-pox,  whether  in  men 
or  animals.  The  public  are  indebted  to  Dr.  Norris, 
Physician  to  the  Halifax  (Nova  Scotia)  Dispensary,  for 
the  manner  of  preparing  this  highly  important  article. 
Sulphurous  acid  gas  will  be  found  useful  in  small-pox. 
For  manner  of  using,  see  Part  II.  of  the  book. 


ENGRAVINGS 


PART  I. 

PAGE 

Abscess  Lancet 18 

Artery  Forceps 23 

Arterial  Circulation Frontispiece 

Bullet  Forceps 99 

Ecraseur 35,  113 

Florence  Flask 52 

Foot  Lancet 77 

Injection  Syringe 112 

Listen's  Bone  Forceps 134 

Needle  and  Wire 163 

Operating  on  the  Eye 62 

Operating  Knife 192 

Quittor  Syringe 153 

Spring  Lancet 114 

Tooth  Rasp 132 

Tooth  Forceps 189 

Tracheotomy  Tube 190 

Trephine 191 

Trocar,  straight 114 

Trocar,  curved. 114 


384  ENGRAVINGS. 


PAET     II. 

PAGE 

Abscess  Syringe 209 

Caustic  Holder 261 

Drop  Measure 209 

Graduated  Measure 209 

Medicine  Chest 283 

Mortar,  large 209 

Mortar,  small 209 


PART   III. 

Ox  Head 290 


INDEX 


PART   I. 


A. 

PAGE 

Abrasion 17 

Abscess 17,  141,  166 

Acari 18 

Accidents 

Aconite 18 

Amaurosis 

Anemia 

Anchylosis 

Aneurism 

Apoplexy 

Aphtha 20 

Atrophy 20 

B. 

Back  Sinews ,. 21 

Baldness 21,  171 

Belly  Ache 21 

Big  Head 21 

Bish  oping 21 

Bite  of  Mad  Dog 21 

Black  Tongue 132 

Bladder  Diseases 22 

25       ' 


386 


INDEX. 


Bladder,  Inflammation  of 22 

Bladder,  Calculi  in 22 

Bleeding ? 23 

Bleeding  from  Wounds 23 

Bleeding  from  the  Air  Passages 24 

Bleeding  from  the  Skin 24 

Bloody  Urine 25 

Blood 25 

Boils 26 

Bots 26 

Bowels,  Diseases  of. 26 

Bowels,  Inflammation  of 26 

Brain  Diseases 26 

Breaking  Down 27 

Breathing 13 

Breathing  Short 27 

Breeze  Flies 27 

Brittle  Feet 27 

Bronchi 27 

Bronchitis 27 

Bronchitis,  Acute 28 

Bronchitis,  Chronic 29 

Bronchocele 30 

Broken  Knees 30 

Bruises  of  the  Sole 31 

Burns  and  Scalds 31 

Bursa  Mucosa,  enlarged 32 

C. 

Calculi 32 

Cancers 32 

Canine  Rabies 33 

Capped  Elbow 33 

Capped  Hock 34 

Carditis 34 

Caries 34 

Castration 35 

Cataract 36 

Catarrh 36 

Causes  of  Disease 7 

Cautery 36 

Chest  Diseases 36 


INDEX.  387 

Chest  Founder «« 

Chill .■.■.■".■".■.■■.'::::.■::::.■.■;:;:::  It 

Choking "    gg 

Chorea „„ 

Clover,  Second  Crop ...  ic. 

Cold „ .....irz:r;zz  3? 

Cold  Lotions o- 

Colic I.:::.'::::::::::::::::;:;;:;;;  tl 

Colic,  Spasmodic , gg 

Colic,  Stercoral gg 

Colic,  Flatulent *.'*.!!!'.'.*.!!.*      40 

Coma *'     .^ 

Congestion "'g  ^g 

Constipation *     '^^ 

Consumption "'*     ^o 

Contagion 4„ 

Con»raction ^o 

Convalescence ho 

Corns *     .o 

Coryza  Gangrenosa 43 

Corrosive  Sublimate 4^ 

Cough 44 

Cough,  Chronic 44 

Counter  Irritants 44 

Cow  Hock *     44 

Cramp 44 

Cramp  of  Hind  Leg 44 

Crib  Biting ""**]     45 

Curb '******     4g 

Curby  Hocked 4g 

Cutaneous  Diseases 4g 

Cutting '"     4g 

D. 

Death 4/5 

Deafness 54 

I>ebility 4g 

Debility,  Simple 46 

Debility,  General 47 

Dedication 3 

Deformities 4-7 

Depression jq 


388  INDEX. 

Diabetes 48 

Diaphoretics 48 

Diarrhoea 14,  49 

Diarrhoea,  Simple 49 

Diarrhoea,  Continued^ 49 

Diathesis 49 

Diet 50 

Disinfectants 50 

Disinfectants,  Natural 50 

Disinfectants,  Artificial 51 

Distemper 53 

Diuretics 53 

Dropsies 53 

Dropsy  in  the  Chest 53 

Dropsy  in  the  Belly 53 

Dropsy  in  the  Heart 53 

Dropsy  in  the  Legs 53 

Dysentery 64 

E. 

Ear  Diseases 54 

Ear,  Small  Tumors  in  the 54 

Ear,  Injuries  of  the 54 

Ear,  Foreign  Bodies  in  the 54 

Ear,  Abscess  in  the 55 

Ear,  Dry  Gangrene  of  the 55 

Ecchymosis 55,  128 

Eczema 55,  173 

Elephantiasis 55 

Embrocations 55 

Emetics 55 

Emphysema 55 

Encysted  Tumoi-s 56 

Encephaloid 56 

Enema 56 

Enteritis 56 

Enzootics 56 

Ephemeral 56 

Epidemic 56 

Epizootic 56 

Epilepsy 56 

Epiphora 56 


INDEX.  389 

Epsom  Salts 56 

Eruptions 56 

Erysipelas  , 56 

Exostosis 57 

Eye  Diseases 57 

Eye,  Amaurosis  of  the 58 

Eye,  Floating  Spots  in  the 59 

Eye,  Inflammation  of  the 59 

Eye,  Polypi  in  the 60 

Eye,  Spots  on  the 60 

Eye,  Weeping  from  the 61 

Eye,  Closing  of  the 61 

Eye,  Hair  Growing  in  the :....  61 

Eye,  Swelling  of  the  Eye-lids 61 

Eye,  Ophthalmia  of  the 61 

Eye,  Operation  on  the 62 

Eye,  Moon  Blindness  of  the 63 

Excretions 105 

P. 

False  Quarter 64,  76 

Farcy 64 

Fatty  Tumor 68 

Farrier , 68 

Favus 174 

Fever 11,  68 

Fever,  Idiopathic 11 

Fever,  Sympathetic 11,  68 

Fever  in  the  Feet 69 

Fibroma 69 

Firing  Horses 69 

Fistulae 69 

Fistulse  in  the  Foot 71 

Fistulae  in  the  Withers..... 71 

Fits 72 

Flaxseed  72 

Fomentations *. 72 

Foot  Diseases 73 

Foot,  Canker  of  the 74 

Foot,  Contraction  of  the 74 

Foot,  Corns  of  the 75 

Foot,  Inflammation  of  the 76 


390 


INDEX. 


Foot,  Pricks  in  the 76 

Foot,  Bruises  of  the 77 

Foot,  Sand-Cracks  of  the 77 

Foot,  Navicular  Disease  of  the 78 

Foot,  Seedy  Toe  of  the 79 

Foot,  Pumiced  Sole  of  the 80 

Foot,  Thrush  of  the 80 

Foot,  Quittor  of  the 81 

Founder 82 

Founder,  Chronic 84 

Fractures 84 

Fractures,  Simple 84 

Fractures,  Compound 84 

Fractures,  Comminuted 84 

Fracture  of  the  Hip 86 

G. 

Gangrene 88 

Gastritis  Mucosa 88 

Glanders 91 

Glass  Eye 95 

Gleet,  Nasal 95 

Granulation 96 

Gravel  in  the  Foot 96 

Grease 96 

Grease,  Shot  of. 97 

Gripes 98 

Grogginess 98 

Grunter 99 

Gullet,  Obstructions  in 99 

Gun  Shot , 99 

Gutta  Serena 99 

H. 

Heart,  Disease  of. 100 

Heaves ■. 101 

Heat 103 

Hepatic  Diseases 103 

Herpes 103 

Hereditary  Diseases 103 

Hide  Bound 104 


INDEX.  391 

Hip  Joint  Diseases 105 

Hock,  the 106 

Hocks  in  the  Eyes 107 

Horse,  Natural  History  of 107 

Horse  Fly 107 

How  to  Observe  Disease 8 

How  Diseases  are  Cured  without  Medicine 14 

Hydrothorax 107,  126,127 

Hydrocele 108 

Hydronemia 108 

Hydrophobia 108 

Hypertrophy 109 

Hysteria 109 


I. 

Indigestion 110 

Infection 110 

Inflammation 9,  110 

Influenza 110 

Injections 112 

Instruments 113 

Intestines 115 

Itch 115,  172 

Interfering 115 

Introduction 7 


J. 

Jack 116 

Jaundice ^ 116 

Joint  Diseases 116 

Jugular  Vein 116 

K. 

Kidneys,  Diseases  of 117 

Knees,  Broken 118 

Knee  Joint 118 

Knee  Joint,  Loose  Cartilage  in 118 

Knuckling 118 


392  INDEX. 

L. 

Lameness 14, 119 

Lamanitis 119 

Lampas 119 

Laryngitis 120 

Leg,  Fractures  of 120 

Lice 120 

Ligaments \ 120 

Lipoma 120 

Liver 120 

Liver,  Inflammation  of 121 

Lock-Jaw 122 

Loins,  Sprain  of 124 

Loss  of  Appetite 124 

Lumbago 124 

Lungs,  the 124 

Lungs,  Inflammation  of  the 125 

Lungs,  Abscess  in  the 127 

Lungs,  Adhesions  of  the 127 

Lungs,  Congestion  of  the 128 

Lungs,  Air  in  the 128 

Lymph 128 

M. 

Madness 128 

Mad  Staggers 129 

Malignant 129 

Malignant,  Epidemic 129 

Mallenders 129 

Mange 130,  172 

Materia  Medica 130 

Megrims 130 

Melanosis 32,  130 

Melanoid 32,  130 

Mesentery 130 

Mesenterica 131 

Metastasis  131 

Moon  Blindness 63,  131 

Mortification 10,  88,  131 

Moribund 131 

Mouth  Diseases 131 


INDEX.  393 

Mouth  Scald 132 

Mouth,  Wounds  of  the 132 

Mouth,  Thrush  in  the 132 

Mucus 133 

Mucous  Membrane 133 

Myalgia 133 

Narcotics , 133 

Nasal  Gleet 95^  134 

Navicular  Disease 78,  134 

Necrosis 34,  134 

Nephritis 117,  134 

Nervousness 135 

Neurotomy ....„ 135 

Nose,  Diseases  of. ., ,.  36,37,  136 

Numbness 136 

O. 

Obesity 136,  145 

CEdema 63,  136 

(Estromania 137 

Omentum 137 

Open  Joints 116,  137 

Ophthalmia 61,  137 

Ossification 137 

Osteology 137 

Osteo-porosis 34,  137 

Osteo- sarcoma 34,  137 

Ostitis. , 137 

Overreach 137 

Ozaena 138 

!». 

Palliatives 138 

Palsy 138 

Paralysis 138 

Parotid  Duct,  Distended 138 

Parotid  Duct,  Open  and  Fistulous 139 

Pathology 139 

Patella,  Dislocation  of 140 


394  INDEX. 

Pasterns 140 

Pelvis 140 

Pelvic,  Abscess 141 

Penis,  Hanging  Out 142 

Peristallic 142 

Peritonitis., 142 

Periosteum 142 

Phagedsena 142 

Phlebitis 116,  144 

Phlegmasia  Dolens 98,  144 

Phrenitis 144 

Physiology 144 

Physicking 144 

Pleurisy 126,  145 

Pleurodynia 145 

Plethora 136,  145 

Pneumonia 125,  145 

Pneumothorax 128 

Poisons 145 

Poisons,  Irritant 145 

Poisons,  Narcotic 146 

Poll  Evil 147 

Polypi 60,  148 

Porrigo 174 

Predisposing  Cause 7,  149 

Prick  of  the  Foot 76,  149 

Principles  of  Disease 9 

Procidentia 149 

Prophylactics 149 

Proud  Flesh 149 

Prurigo 150 

Psora 172. 

Pulse 12,  150 

Puncture 150 

Purgatives 144,  150 

Purpura 150 

Pus 151,  164 

Putrefaction 43,  151 

Pyaemia 7,  91,  152 


INDEX.  395 


Q. 

Quack  Medicines,. - , 152 

Quinsy - - 153 

Quittor 81,  153 

R. 

Rabies 108,  153 

Rachitis 47,  153 

Resolution 10,  153 

Respiration 13,  27,  153 

Revulsion 131,  154 

Rheumatism 82,  124,  154 

Rheumatism,  Chronic 156 

Rheumatism,  Accompanying  Diseases  of  the  Throat  156 

Ring  Bone 157 

Ring  Worm 157,  174 

Roaring 99,  158 

Round  Bone 158 

Rowels 158 

Ruptures •  158 

Rupture,  Inguinal 158 

Rupture,  Scrotal 159 

Rupture,  Congenital 160 

Rupture,  Ventral 161 

Rupture  of  Castration 161 

S. 

Saddle  Galls ^^  163 

Sallenders 129,  163 

Saliva — •  163 

Salivation - 163 

Sand  Cracks ••. 164 

Sanious  Pus ^ 151,  164 

Scabies 17^ 

Scald  Mouth 132,  164 

Scarlatina -  164 

Scratches 142,  164 

Schirris 30,  130,  165 

Scouring 14,  49,  165 

Scrotum 108,  165 

Scurf 165 


396 


INDEX. 


Second  Crop  of  Clover 163 

Secretion 165 

Sedatives 165 

Serous  Abscess 17,  141,  166 

Serum 165 

Seton 166 

Shivers 166 

Shoeing 166 

Shoeing  Sound  Feet 167 

Shoeing  Unsound  Feet 167 

Shoulder  Lameness 168 

Shoulder  Joint  Lameness 169 

Side  Bones 157,  170 

Sinus 69,  71,  170 

Sitfasts 170 

Skin  Diseases 21,  171 

Slobbering 163,  175 

Slough 175 

Sores 175 

Sore  Foot 73,  175 

Sore  Mouth 137,  175 

Sore  Throat 131,  175 

Sore  Back 175 

Sore  Neck 175 

Sore  Shoulders 175 

Soundness 176 

Spavin 176 

Spavin,  Bog..... 177 

Spavin,  Blood 177 

Spavin,  Bone 178 

Spavin,  Occult ..  178 

Speck  on  the  Eye 60,  179 

Speedy  Cut.....*. 179 

Spleen  Diseases 32,  179 

Splint 179 

Sprains 180 

Staggers 181 

Staggers,  Stomach 181 

Staggers,  Grass  or  Sleepy 182 

Staggers,  Mad 182 

Staked 183 


INDEX.  397 

Stings  from  Bees,  etc 183 

Stifle  Joint  Lameness 184 

Stifle  Ulceration 184 

Stomach  Diseases 39,  88,  181,  185 

Stone  in  the  Bladder 32,185 

Strains 180,  185 

Strangles 63, 185 

Stranguary 25,  185 

Strangulation 186 

Stringhalt ^ 186 

Suppuration 187 

Surfeit ^ 174,  188 

Swelled  Legs 46,  53,  64,  96,  180 

Swellings 188 

Sympathy 11,  188 

Synovia 188 

Synchronous 189 

Systole 189 

T. 

Tabanida3 189 

Tabes 131,  189 

Talpae 189 

Teeth 132,  189 

Tetanus 1-22,  189 

Tetter 21,  171,  189 

Thick  Wind 101,  189 

Thick  Leg 46,  53,  64,  96,  189 

l^hiselo ...69,  189 

Thoroughpin 180,  189 

Threadworms 190 

Throat  Diseases 27,  36,  37,  190 

Thrush 80,  190 

Thrombus : 116,  190 

Thumps 190 

Tongue,  Lacration  of 132,  190 

Tonics....' 19o 

Toxicology 190 

Tracheotomy 190 

Transfusion 191 

Tread 80,  191 


S98  INDEX. 

Treatment  of  Disease. 13 

Trepanning 191 

Trephine „ „..  191 

Trismus 122,  192 

Tubercles 91,  192 

Tumors , 192 

Tumor,  Encysted 56,192 

Tumor,  Encephaloid 56,  192 

Tumor,  Fibrous 69,  193 

Tumor,  Fatty 68,  193 

Tumor,  Cancerous 32,  194 

Tumar,  Melanoid 32,  130 

Tumor,  Bony 179,  194 

Tumor,  Varicose 194,  197 

Tympanitis ► 40,  194 

Typhoid 194 


u. 

Ulcers 194 

Ulcers,  Healthy 194 

Ulcers,  Indolent 195 

Ulcers,  Irritable 195 

Urinary,  Calculi 32,  185,  196 

Urine,  Bloody 25,  117 

V. 

Varicose 194,  197 

Venesection 23,  197 

Ventilation 60,  197 

Veterinary  Biography 197 

Veterinary  College 201 

Vis  Medicatrix  Naturae 14 

Vives 201 


W. 

Warts 69,  193,  201 

Warranty 201 

Warbles 21,  171,  201 


INDEX.  399 

Watery  Farcy 201 

Weeping  Eye 201 

Wens 202 

Wheezing 99,  202 

Whirl-Bone 202 

Wind-Sucking 45,  202 

Worms 202 

Worms,  Stomach „ 202 

Worms,  Fundament 203 

Worms,  Strongylus 204 

Worms,  Ascarides 204 

Worms,  Faliria 204 

Wounds 21,  204 

Wounds,  Contused 204 

Wounds,  Lacerated 204 

Wounds,  Punctured 204 

Wourali 205 

Y. 

Yellows 205 

Yellow  Water 205 

Z. 

Zoology 205 

Zumins 205 


PART  II. 


A. 

PAGE 

Acids 211 

Acid,  Acetic 212 

Acid,  Pyroligneous 212 

Acid,  Muriatic 212 

Acid,  Nitric 212 

Acid,  Sulphuric 212 

Acid,  Prussia 213 

Aconite.. 213 

Aconite,  Tincture 213 

Alcohol 214 

Aloes 214 

Alum 215 

Ammonia 215 

Ammonia,  Carbonate  of 215 

Ammonia,  Muriate  of 215 

Ammonia,  Acetate  of ....  215 

Anaesthetics 216 

Aniseed 216 

Anodynes 216 

Antimony 216 

Antimony,  Tartarized 216 

Antimony,  Tersulphuret 217 

Antimony,  Terchloride 217 

Antiseptics 217 

Antispasmodics 217 

Areca  Nut 217 

Arnica  Montana 217 

Arsenic 217 

Asafoetida 218 

Asarabacca 218 

Astringents 218 

Atropine 219 


INDEX.  401 


Belladonna 219 

Benzoin 219 

Benzole 219 

Bismuth 219 

Bismuth,  Subnitrate  of 219 

Bole  Armenia 219 

Borax 220 

Brimstone 265 

Bromide  of  Potash 220 

Buckthorn 220 

c. 

Calamine 220 

Calcium 220 

Calomel 221 

Camphor 221 

Cantharides 221 

Capsicum 221 

Carbolic  Acid 222 

Cardamoms 222 

Carraway ».... 222 

Carbonate  of  Lime 222 

Cascarilla 222 

Castor  Oil 223 

Cassia 223 

Catechu 223 

Chalk 224 

Chamomile 224 

Charcoal 224 

Chenopodium,  Anthelminticum 224 

Chlorine  Gas 224 

Chloric  Ether 225 

Chloride  of  Potash 225 

Chloride  of  Lime 225 

Chloroform 225 

Chologogues 226 

Cinchona 227 

Clysters 275 

26 


402  INDEX. 

Cochineal 227 

Cod  Liver  Oil 227 

Colchicum 227 

Collodion 228 

Copper 228 

Copper,  Sulphate  of 228 

Copper,  Acetate  of 229 

Coriander 229 

Creosote 229 

Croton  Oil 230 

D, 

Digitalis 230 

Disinfectants 230 

Diuretics 231 

Drenches 275 


E. 

Elecampane 232 

Elm  Bark 232 

Emetics 232 

Epsom  Salts 232 

Equivalents 287 

Ergot 233 

Essentials  Oils 234 

Ether 234 

Euphorbium 234 

Expectorants 234 

Eyewashes 276 


Febrifuges 234 

Fern 234 

Foenugreek 234 

Freezing  Mixtures 277 

Friar's  Balsam 235 

G. 

Galbanum 235 

Galls 235 


Gallic  Acid..... 

INDEX. 

403 
235 

Gamboge 

235 

Gentian  Root 

236 

Ginger  Root 

236 

Glauber's  Salts 

237 

Glycerine 

237 

Guaiacum 

237 

Gum  Arabic 

237 

Gum  Senegal 

238 

Gum  Tragacanth 

Hartshorn 

H. 

238 

238 

Hellebore 

238 

Hemlock 

238 

Hemp,  Indian 

238 

239 

Hop 

248 

Iodine 

I. 

239 

Iodide  of  Potash 

Iodide  of  Arsenic 

Iodide  of  Copper 

Iodide  of  Iron 

239 

240 

240 

240 

Iodide  of  Sulphur 

Iodide  of  Lead 

240 

241 

Iodide  of  Mercury 

241 

242 

Iron 

242 

243 

243 

Iron,  Sulphate  of 

Iron,  Perchloride  of... 

243 

244 

J. 

245 

.Tiininpr  Tiprrips 

245 

Kino    . 

K. 

245 

Kousso.. 

245 

404  INDEX. 


L. 


Laudanum 245-255 

Laxative 245 

Lead 245 

Lead,  Oxide  of 246 

Lead.  Iodide  of 246 

Lead,  Sugar  of 246 

Lime 246 

Liniments 277 

Linseed 246 

Linseed  Oil 246 

Liquorice  Root 247 

Lobelia 247 

Logwood 247 

Lunar  Caustic... 248 

Lupuline 248 

Lytta  Cantbarides 221-248 

Magnesia 248 

Magnesia,  Carbonate  of.. « ^..,  248 

Magnesia,  Sulphate  of 248 

Manganese ► 248 

Marsh  Mallow « 248 

Marigold 249 

Medicines  to  be  kept 283 

Mercury ^ .►. 249 

Mercury  with  Chalk 249 

Mercury,  Bi-Chloride  of. 249 

Mercury,  Nitrate  of 250 

Mercury.  Oxide  of 250 

Mercury,  Sulphate  of 250 

Mercury,  Chloride  of... 250 

Mercury,  Ointment  of.. 250 

Mezereon 250 

Morphia 250,  254 

Muriatic  Acid 212 

Mustard  Seed 251 

Myrrh 251 


INDEX.  405 


N. 

Narcotics 251 

Neatsfoot  Oil 251 

Nervines 251 

Nitric  Acid 212 

Nitre 251 

Nux  Vomica 252 

Nux  Vomica,  Alkaloid  of 252 

O. 

Oak  Bark 253 

Oils 253 

Ointments 279 

Ointments,  Fixed 254 

Opium 254 

Opium,  Tincture  of 255 

Opium,  Alkaloid  of 255 

Opium,  Wine  of 255 

Opodeldoc 261 

P. 

Pareira  Brava 255 

Peach  Leaves 255 

Peppermint 256 

Pepper ^^^ 

Pepper,  Black 256 

Pepper,  Cayenne - 256 

Pepper,  Jamaica 256 

Pepsin 256 

Petroleum 

Phosphorus ^^"^ 

Phosphoric  Acid 257 

Pitch 257 

Pitch,  Burgundy 257 

Plasters 280 

Pomegranate 

P»PPi«« 280 

Poultices 

Potash 257 

Potash,  Caustic 257 


406  INDEX. 

Potash,  Carbonate  of. 258 

Potash,  Chlorate  of 258 

Potash,  Iodide  of 258 

Potash,  Nitrate  of 258 

Potash,  Sulphate  of 258 

Potash,  Sulphuret  of 258 

Prescriptions 274 

Prussic  Acid 258 

Pumpkin  Seeds 258 

Purgatives 258 

Pyroxylic  Spirit 258 

Q. 

Quinine 227-258 

B. 

Rennet 256,  258 

Rhubarb 259 

Ricinus  Communis 223,  259 

Rochelle  Salts 259 

Rosin 270 

S. 

Saffron 227,  259 

Sagapenum 259 

Sal  Ammoniac 215-259 

Salt 259 

Sal  Volatile 259 

Sassafras 259 

Sarracenia 259 

Savin 259 

Sedatives 260 

Senega 260 

Sialagogues 261 

Silver 261 

Silver,  Nitrateof 261 

Snake  Root 260 

Soap 260 

Soap  Liniment 261 

Soda 261 


INDEX.  407 

Soda,  Carbonate  of. 261 

Soda,  Sulphate  of 261 

Soda,  Sulphite  of....,...^ 261 

Spanish  Fly 262 

Spanish  Fly  Ointment 263 

Specifics 263 

Spermaceti 263 

Spirits  of  Nitre 264 

Spirits  of  Wine 264 

Spirits 282 

Sponge 264 

Starch "-  264 

Styptics 265 

Sudorifics 265 

Sugar  of  Lead 265 

Sugar  of  Milk 265      «- 

Sulphuric  Acid 212 

Sulphur 265 

Sulphurous  Acid  Gas 266 

Sulphate  of  Zinc 267 

Sweet  Spirit  of  Nitre 264 

T. 

Tannin 267 

Tannin,  Glycerine  of 267 

Tannin,  Krameria  of 267 

Table  of  Doses 285 

Tar 268 

Tar,  Oil  of 268 

Tartar  Emetic 268 

Tinctures 281 

Tobacco 268 

Tragacanth 238-268 

Turpentine .^ 268 

Turpentine,  Common 269 

Turpentine,  Canada 269 

Turpentine,  Venice 269 

Turpentine,  Oil 269 

TT. 

UrvaUrsi 270 


408  INDEX. 


V. 

Valerian 270 

Valerian  and  Iron 271 

Valerian  and  Quinine 271 

Veratrum 271 

Veratria 271 

W. 

Wax 271 

Waters 282 

Willow  Bark 272 

Y. 

Yeast 272 

Z. 

Zinc 272 

Zinc,  Oxide  of 273 

Zinc,  Carbonate  of 273 

Zinc,  Chloride  of 273 

Zinc,  Sulphate  of 273 

Zinc,  Acetate  of. 274 

Zingiberis 274 

Zylodine 274 


PART   III. 


A. 

PAGE 

Abortion 292 

Abortion,  Epizootic 295 

Abortion,  Sporadic 295 

Abomasum 291 

After-birth 311 

Anaemia 296 

Angle  Berries 296 

Anthrax 327 

Apoplexy 297 

Aphtha .297 


Biliary  Gall-stones 297 

Biliary  Gall-stones,  Yellow 297 

Biliary  Gall-stones,  Dark 297 

Biliary  Gall-stones,  White 297 

Black  Quarter 297 

Black  Tongue 298 

Black  Water 298 

Bladder,  Diseases  of. 298 

Bladder,  Prolapsus  of. 299 

Blain ;...., 327 

Blood-shot 297,  300 

Blood  Diseases 300,  328 

Brain  Diseases 300 

Brittany  Cow 300 

Bronchitis 301 

Bull  Burnt 304 


410  INDEX. 

c. 

Cachexia 305 

Calving 306 

Calving,  Natural 307 

Calving,  Unnatural 308 

Catarrh 313 

Catarrhus,  Linuum  Frontalium 313 

Cattle  Plague 313 

Chicken  Pox 314 

Choking 314 

Cleansing 311 

Colic 315 

Consumption 315 

Contagious  Typhus 317 

Coryza 313,  317 

Cow  Pox 317 

Croup 317 

Cud,  Loss  of. 318 

Diarrhoea 319 

Diarrhoea  in  Calves ...' 320 

Diarrhoea,  Chronic 319 

Diarrhoea,  Simple 319 

Distention  of  the  Eumen 321 

Dropping  after  Calving 321,336 

Dysentery 315,  321 


Ectopia  Cordis 321 

Epizootic  Aphtha 321,  338 

Eye  Diseases 323 


E. 

Falling  Sickness 323,  336 

Falling  of  the  Womb 323 

Falling  of  the  Calf  Bed 323 

Fardel  Bound 325,  330,  333 

Fever 325 

Foul  Claw 325 

Foul  in  the  Foot 325 


INDEX.  411 


G. 

Gangrene  of  the  Tail 325 

Garget. 326 

Gastro-Enteritis  in  Calves 320,  327 

Glossitis 327 


H. 

Haematuria 300,  328 

Hair  Balls 328 

Herpes 329,  836 

Hide  Bound 329 

Hoose  in  Calves 329 

Hoven 350 

Hydatids  in  the  Brain 331 


I. 

Inflammation 332 

Impaction  of  the  Omasum 333 

J. 

Jaundice 334 

K. 

Kidney  Disease 335 


L. 

Laryngitis 301,  317,  335 

Leucorrhcea 335,  361 

Lice 335 

Liver  Diseases 334,  335 

Lock-Jaw 335 

Lung  Diseases 335,  340 

Lymphangitis 335 


412  INDEX. 


M. 


Malignant  Catarrh 313 

Mammitis 326,  336 

Mange 3^6 

Milk  Fever 323,  336 

Milk  Trembles 338 

Moor  Evil 225,  330,  333,338 

Mouth  Diseases 338 

Murrain 321,  338 


Nephritis 339 

Nervous  Diseases 339 


o. 

CEstromania 339 

(Estrus  Bovis 339 

Osseous 339 

Ovarian  Dropsy 339 

Ovarian  Tumor 339 


P. 

Palsy 340 

Paralysis 340 

Parasitic  Disease 329,  340 

Parturient  Fever 323,  336,  340 

Phthisis 315,  340 

Placenta 311,340 

Plethora 340 

Pleurisy 340 

Pleuro-pneumonia 340 

Prolapsus  Vaginae 346 

Prolapsus  Vesicae 346 

Prurigo  Vernalis '••  346 

Puerpural  Fever 323,  336,  346 


INDEX.  413 

Q. 

Quarter  Evil 297,  346 


R. 

Red  Water 300,  328,  346 

Reticulum 292,  347 

Retroflexion  of  the  Womb 347 

Retroversion  of  the  Womb 347 

Rheumatism 348 

Rinderpest 348 

Ring  Worm 348 

Rot 348 

Rumen 297,  348 

Rupture  in  Calves 348 


s. 

Sheep  Diseases 365 

Siberian  Boil  Plague 349 

Slinking  the  Calf 292,  349 

Sore  Throat 301,  349 

Sore  Teats 352 

Spaying 349 

Spaying  Cows 349 

Splenic  Apoplexy 351 

Spring  Eruption 348,  352 

Stomach  Staggers 352 

Strangulation 314,  352 

Sturdy 331,  352 


T. 

Teats,  Sore 552 

Teeth  Diseases 353 

Texan  Fever 353 

Throat  Diseases 301,  354 

Thrush 297,  354 

Tongue 354 


414  INDEX. 

Tubercle  Diseases 319,  354 

Tympanitis 330,  354 

Typhus  Contagiosus  Bourn 355 


TT. 

Udder  Diseases 360 

Urine 860 


V. 

Vaginal  Catarrh 360 

Varicella  Bourn 360 

Vertigo 352,  360 


W. 

Warbles 360 

Water  in  the  Chest 340,  361 

Whites 335,  361 

Worms 329,  361 

Womb 323,  347,  361 


f  Webs*-: 

"■' n"y  !..::•$ 

Curr' 

.  Scf  iv-\  - 

Tufts 

.  -    . 

200  VV- 

.  ■   '■. 

^    -'Veteriaiy  Medicine 
^^  ■    ^^nary  Wsciicine  at 


